I prefer to think of myself as an independent thinker where possible, Doug. Anyway, I like your point about the distinction. I would be careful of confusing liberalism with socialism. The best liberalism brings out the best production and self-reliance in people. The West is not inherently stupid, but the history of gaffes, blunders, chaotic slaughters and random oppressions is pretty hard to defend. The history of accomplishments and positive acts is easy to defend, iof course.

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