Sunday, October 21, 2012

George McGovern, Libertarian: 1922-2012

George McGovern died this morning. I'd been hearing recently he'd become more libertarian in his views over the years, becoming quite the advocate for individual freedom. This Bloomberg article takes a look at his life and politics.

As J.D. Tuccille wrote about him on Facebook this morning, " A politician who evolves toward a respect for freedom and diversity is a rare bird". Indeed.

3 Comments:

At 12:01 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Henchman Of Justices" says,

Great read. Best part that really hit home was this, " But it was as a private citizen he became an expert in the law of unintended consequences, which elected officials ignore routinely."

Just the other day, this conversation piece was discussed and whamo, like irony and fate, Fred posts this article and link with the same conversational piece. Must be accurate about those many critiques from many people of "unintended consequences", otherwise referred to as "a domino effect". - HOJ

 
At 12:13 PM, Blogger Fred Mangels said...

I wasn't all too familiar with McGovern back when he ran for President. All I knew was along the lines he was against the Viet Nam War so figured he was some kind of commie.

I wondered lately, though, if he was more along the lines of a "classic liberal" back in those days. That meaning the liberals who were more libertarian in their thinking. The do what you want, just don't hurt anybody types. I just asked J.D. Tuccille that very question. His reply:

"I think he evolved into a classical liberal once he entered the private sector. But even in his more social-democratic days, he was a better advocate of peace and civil liberties than virtually any modern politician.".

 
At 3:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Henchman Of Justice" says,

Good information Fred as McGovern was before thy time. Anyhow, many wiser adults have mentioned that the two party political system has reversed roles in many social areas over the past century +, explained as "both parties were opposite in many of their mission goals compared to today". Of course again, thy did not live back then, but all the flip-flopping since 1970 sure seems like emperical data and evidence to justify what the wise folks mention on flip-floppish party politics. - HOJ

 

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