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Do classical liberals ‘pave the way for white nationalists’?
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By Rev. Ben Johnson • December 4, 2019
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Matthew Schmitz, a senior editor at First Things and self-described “socialist Roman Catholic,” recently wrote an article titled “How classical liberals paved the way for white nationalists” in the Catholic Herald. Schmitz has little use for “classical liberalism,” a philosophy that upholds the inalienable rights of humanity and limits the role of the state. How, then, does he link limited government to a totalitarian ideology? Schmitz argues that both small-government conservatives and white nationalists have “one point of absolute agreement: the value of free speech.” He then references Turning Point USA leader Charlie Kirk's statement that he would defeat Alt-Right leader Nick Fuentes through “dialogue.” The sandcastle of Schmitz’s argument crumbles upon the lightest touch of the wind. Those of us who value expression over repression do so because the “marketplace of ideas” (just like real markets) allow people to make comparisons. Demonstrating the superiority of better ideas to poisonous ones such as white nationalism is possible only if both are allowed to make their best case. Light distinguishes itself in contrast with the darkness. Free speech is merely an accelerant for thought. If Schmitz bans one, he inhibits the other.
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Acton Line podcast: Rev. Robert Sirico responds to Marco Rubio's 'common good capitalism'
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December 4, 2019
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Sen. Marco Rubio's recent proposals for 'common good capitalism' have sparked criticism and praise across the board. Rubio draws heavily from Catholic Social Teaching in his defense of common good capitalism, describing an economy for the common good characterized by dignified work and stability for working class families. On November 5, Rubio addressed students at the Catholic University of America, saying “[c]ommon good capitalism is about a vibrant and growing free market, but it is also about harnessing and channeling that growth for the benefit of our country, our people and our society at large." How does Rubio propose that we harness this growth and should Catholic Social Teaching be used as a guidebook for policy makers? Acton's co-founder and president Rev. Robert Sirico explains.
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Trending on the Powerblog
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Every November 29, fans pause to remember George Harrison of The Beatles, who died in 2001. In addition to his sensitive lyrics, intricate melodies, and legendary chart-topping success Harrison should be remembered for another feat: He may have been the first singing supply-side economist. In a 1969 interview, Harrison showed profound insight into how taxes discourage work and wealth creation.
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Britain’s 2019 General Election is unusual for many reasons. But the entire country was taken aback late last month when Britain’s mild-mannered Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis published a public letter in the London Times in which he effectively advised people not to vote for the British Labour Party. What’s extraordinary about this is much of Britain’s Jewish population have traditionally voted for Labour and have done so for a long time.
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Christians who oppose government intervention are often accused of harboring indifference, or antipathy, for the poor. But an abundance of evidence from two continents shows that welfare state policies actually reduce the wealth of the poor and raise prices, while benefiting the upper-middle class and well-connected corporations at taxpayers’ expense.
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Despite being surrounded by unprecedented levels of opportunity and prosperity, we live in a profoundly anxious age, fearful of economic decline and disruption even as we strive to resist idols of status, wealth, and comfortability. When observing such a state, many are quick to proclaim that “the market is not enough.” They are correct: We also need gratitude.
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Senator Marco Rubio touched off a debate about the values of capitalism with his remarks on “common-good capitalism” on November 5 at the Catholic University of America. Acton Institute Director of Research Samuel Gregg offers his assessment, where he traces Rubio’s thought to one of the most influential political philosophies in postwar Western European history.
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