We are fighting for a free future - but what does that mean? Twelve principles every citizen could reasonably demand from politicians, journalists and public figures.
Toleration is a significant issue. It appears today that if you don't agree with someone's views, you are "wrong"! In some circumstances you don't get the chance to put your views across, as you are shutdown before you get that far.
Unfortunately we currently live in an angry/frustrated society..which doesn't align well with rational thinking
It's a major problem. I am keen to contribute to work which makes civilised disagreement more plausible and widespread in the interests of progress, goodwill and well-being.
I appreciate your analysis lots to think about, however, I think the conclusion about equality of opportunity and positive discrimination needs more nuance. While a meritocracy based on ability and effort is ideal, it's important to recognise that not everyone starts from the same point.
True equality of opportunity sometimes requires positive actions to level the playing field. This isn't about denying merit, but rather ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to develop and demonstrate their abilities. For instance, why should someone be disadvantaged simply because their parents faced hardships?
Positive discrimination, when applied thoughtfully, can actually enhance equality of opportunity by removing unfair obstacles that some groups face: working classes, second generation immigrants, person with disabilities. It's not about guaranteeing outcomes, but about creating a more equitable starting point for all.
In essence, I believe that a well-implemented system of positive action can support, rather than contradict, the principles of meritocracy and equality of opportunity. It's about creating a society where everyone has a genuine chance to succeed (and contribute) based on their merits, regardless of their background. I would like to suggest that some of the ills we see today, might be decreased if everyone truly was given a fair start. (note I write decreased not eliminated)
One can very much agree with this statement in your conclusion. The dominant centre left ideology of past decades has undermined the principles of a free society with inevitable, damaging consequences.
The conservative party and MP's (many of your former colleagues) undermined the principles of a free society with collectivist and statist policies. Whilst I'm not keen on the depiction of right and left, instead preferring Individual Liberty over any form of coercrd Collectivism. The only conclusion I'm reaching at this point is that I can't see the conservative party standing for freedom (with a free exceptions such as yourself, Charles Walker etc).
Toleration is a significant issue. It appears today that if you don't agree with someone's views, you are "wrong"! In some circumstances you don't get the chance to put your views across, as you are shutdown before you get that far.
Unfortunately we currently live in an angry/frustrated society..which doesn't align well with rational thinking
It's a major problem. I am keen to contribute to work which makes civilised disagreement more plausible and widespread in the interests of progress, goodwill and well-being.
I appreciate your analysis lots to think about, however, I think the conclusion about equality of opportunity and positive discrimination needs more nuance. While a meritocracy based on ability and effort is ideal, it's important to recognise that not everyone starts from the same point.
True equality of opportunity sometimes requires positive actions to level the playing field. This isn't about denying merit, but rather ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to develop and demonstrate their abilities. For instance, why should someone be disadvantaged simply because their parents faced hardships?
Positive discrimination, when applied thoughtfully, can actually enhance equality of opportunity by removing unfair obstacles that some groups face: working classes, second generation immigrants, person with disabilities. It's not about guaranteeing outcomes, but about creating a more equitable starting point for all.
In essence, I believe that a well-implemented system of positive action can support, rather than contradict, the principles of meritocracy and equality of opportunity. It's about creating a society where everyone has a genuine chance to succeed (and contribute) based on their merits, regardless of their background. I would like to suggest that some of the ills we see today, might be decreased if everyone truly was given a fair start. (note I write decreased not eliminated)
One can very much agree with this statement in your conclusion. The dominant centre left ideology of past decades has undermined the principles of a free society with inevitable, damaging consequences.
The conservative party and MP's (many of your former colleagues) undermined the principles of a free society with collectivist and statist policies. Whilst I'm not keen on the depiction of right and left, instead preferring Individual Liberty over any form of coercrd Collectivism. The only conclusion I'm reaching at this point is that I can't see the conservative party standing for freedom (with a free exceptions such as yourself, Charles Walker etc).