Contemporary Challenges to Liberalism

1. To What Extent is Modern Liberalism Continuing to Evolve? Contemporary Challenges to Liberalism Analyzing how modern liberalism is challenged by alternative thought

2. What would you write about if you imagined the world 50 or 100 years from now? • Would it be with the pessimism of Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four or Huxley’s Brave New World? • Would it be like The Little Prince where the author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, creates new planets and asteroids to critique the behaviour of adults from a child’s point of view • What about Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, where society must gives up literature to suppress any ideas that might challenge its “happiness”? • Lowry’s The Giver, where individuals give up emotion and memories to create a more safe and peaceful society? • These authors challenge the different perspectives about how society should be organized • What would our society be like if our government outlawed books, or emotions, or ideas • How much individuality would you sacrifice to your government in the name of security? • How much would you allow government to be involved in your lives? Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

3. Classical Liberalism and Modern Liberalism Classical liberal principles originated in The Enlightenment, particularly with the writings of John Locke Natural and inalienable rights Society should be a community of political equals All respecting the rights of one another equally This is the rationale for modern democracy Main function of government: Protect individual natural rights: the rights to life, liberty, and property Laws created by government can be legitimized with the consent of the majority Creates a great deal of freedom and ensures less control over individuals by the government How far has liberalism strayed from its roots? Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

4. Review Of Classical Liberalism • 18th and 19th centuries technological advances led to the Industrial Revolution in England • Members of Parliament put the ideas of classical liberalism into practice to take advantage of the economic opportunities • Industrial productivity and incredible wealth led to large disparities between the rich – entrepreneurs and landowners – and those living in poverty • This disparity led to challenges to classical liberalism • Classical liberalism evolved and expanded to modern liberal ideas; such as education, health care, etc. Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

5. Classical Liberalism Effects Modern Liberalism • contributed to the Great Depression • Contributed to the wealth gap between the more developed world and the rest of the world, thus leading to such things as political instability and hyper-consumerism • Contributed to the development of counter-ideologies, such as communism and fascism, and the expansion and revision of liberal ideas • involves no government • interference (hands off) • proposes that the sole function of government is to protect individuals’ natural rights to life, liberty, and properly • emphasizes economic liberalism and promotes the freedom of the entrepreneur • involves significant government intervention (hands on) • Proposes that all individuals be valued equally • Proposes the development of programs to help disadvantaged individuals and eliminate the causes of poverty, crime, and abuse • Promotes initiatives to share the benefits of development and to develop wisely Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

6. Classical Liberalism and Negative Freedoms • Principles of classical liberalism centre around individuals should be free to make choices • Called “negative freedom” or “freedom from” The tragic events of September 11 highlight the ethical import of what are sometimes called “negative freedoms”; freedom from tyranny, freedom from fear, freedom from hunger, and freedom from discrimination based upon race, color, or creed. A pluralistic and open society requires agreements about the worth and dignity of citizens in order for those citizens to be free from coercions and constraints that would prevent their ability to live in sufficient safety and freedom to carve out their ability to live in sufficient safety and freedom to carve out their own lives and the lives of their families and communities. Patricia Benner, 2002 Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

7. Classical Liberalism and Negative Freedoms • Classical Liberalism – • Each man has equal political power • Greater political stability would result from greater direct involvement in the political process • Political stability leads to a society that allows individuals to use their freedoms as best they can to achieve social and economic prosperity • Are the negative freedoms outlined previously sufficient to ensure the well-being of all members of society? • In classical liberalism this meant little more than freedom from government intervention • Liberal democracies, such as Canada, possess these negative freedoms – fundamental freedoms include: • Freedom of conscience and religion • Freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press and other communication media • Freedom of peaceful assembly • Freedom of association Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

8. Classical Liberalism and Economics • 19th century a period of significant economic growth due, in large part, to the Industrial Revolution • Coincided with the formation of classical liberal economic theory – laissez-faire economics • Supported free markets and individual rights to own private property • Economic markets with little or no gov’t intervention – benefit all members of society • Government limited to do what they do best • Developing laws to protect freedoms and private property • Some classical liberals do not trust popular democracy – fear the majority might not support classical liberal principles – ie. Possession of private property Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

9. Classical Liberalism and Equality • A certain amount of inequality is a natural result of protecting property rights and guaranteeing freedoms • The equality valued by classical liberals is the equality of opportunity • State remains impartial, allowing citizens to determine their own ideas of good without interference or coercion • All forms of diversity are accepted • Diverse outcomes based on the choices people make, as long as those choices do not violate the rights of others Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

10. Enfranchisement Brings Transformation • Late 19th century, vote was given to a wider group of citizens • As more working class citizens got he vote, politicians had to promise to introduce policies that met the workers’ needs – labour law; workplace safety; labour unions • 20th century further evolution • Sought to promote equality • Greater gov’t intervention was encouraged by progressives: • World War I and II • The Great Depression • Exclusions of minorities from voting and positions of power • Change from rural, agrarian society to urban, manufacturing society • Challenges and Change – Liberalism Evolves • People will make the choices that are best for them, when free • Free of gov’t intervention • The market would spread wealth to those making wise decisions • What is prosperity is not fulfilled? • Great wealth created during the Industrial Revolution – transition from mercantilism, a system where the state accumulated wealth • Wealth concentrated in the hands of a small number of society’s elite • Most people remained poorly fed, poorly housed, poorly educated, with a short life expectancy • Laissez-faire economics believed problems would correct itself without gov’t interference Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

11. Classical Liberalism Modern Liberalism • Progressives (shifting to modern liberal ideas) believed certain conditions prevented all members from achieving equality • Gov’t intervention was essential for all to achieve equality, not just opportunity • Taxes for social programs (welfare) for those in need • Any limit placed on freedoms of an individual is justified if it benefited all of society • UN Declaration of Human Rights includes positive freedoms – What limitations to liberty would the following rights may impose on some people? Negative Freedoms Example: Freedom from persecution for following a chosen faith or spirituality Positive Freedoms Example: Freedom of Expression Modern Liberalism and Positive Freedoms Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Article 25.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights United Nations, 1948 Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

12. Classical Liberalism Modern Liberalism • Modern liberals argue that the ability to exercise one’s right to freedom depends on the existence of certain conditions • You cannot be free if your basic needs are not met, if oppressed by unfair practices, or if subject to discrimination • To ensure freedom gov’t intervention is encouraged, socially and politically • Increased gov’t intervention could result in tyranny, modern liberalism calls for broader social protection and guarantees of civil liberties and equal rights – including a more open and transparent gov’t • Civil liberties – the means by which modern liberals seek to maintain dignity and fair treatment for all. • Seek to ensure greater equality of opportunity through positive rights, right to education, health care, or legal aid. Modern Liberalism and Positive Freedoms Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Article 25.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights United Nations, 1948 Social 30 – 1, 2, & 3 Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

13. Liberalism Evolves: How is modern liberalism challenged by alternative thought? • Ideologies differ on: • Interpretations of history • Beliefs about human nature • Beliefs about the structure of society • Visions for the future • Environmentalism • Neo-Conservatism • Religious Perspectives • Aboriginal Perspectives All of the above contributed to the evolution of modern liberalism and challenged the dominant influence of liberal thought on Western society • You will need to keep the above themes in mind when we consider the challenges and contributions of the evolution of modern liberal thought Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

14. Environmentalism • Roots in the 1800s • As a political/cultural ideology in the 60s, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962) – pesticides entering the food chain, negative effects on animals and human beings • 1970s – Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, pressured gov’ts to enact laws to protect the environment • France and USA ban certain types of nuclear tests • 80s – 90s UM banned driftnet fishing • Countries banned dumping toxic waste into the oceans • Computer manufacturers have agreed to stop using certain toxic materials in their products • Has led to some political bodies to enshrine the right to a healthy environment alongside the principles of modern liberalism • UN Int’l Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights “the right to everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.” Improving “all aspects of environmental and industrial hygiene” • Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, everyone “has the right to live in a healthful environment in which biodiversity is preserved, to the extent and according to the standards provided by law.” Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

15. Environmentalism • Today – negative impact of human activity • Free-market economists and skeptics of global warming claim environmental reform of the economy will do more harm than good …’the state of humanity has never been better,’ says Mr. Goklany in his book, published by Cato Institute, backing his claims with detailed findings that show rapid advancement in hundreds of indicators for people all over the world. The conditions that created the great improvements – in health, environment, living standards, mortality, disease control, smog reduction, and human happiness – are the very same conditions the Financial Post has typically advocated over a century: growth, technological change, free trade in products and ideas, market forces and personal freedom. …The carbon and chemical economies that green salvationists want to curtail, even eliminate, are in fact the very basis for the world’s current and improving conditions. The message in Mr. Goklany’s book is that government policy must, above all, preserve the general conditions that have brought us to this state of achievement, not destroy them. -Terance Corcoran, “Good sense to prevail over enviro-alarmism,” 2007

16. Environmentalism • On the other side of the debate Worldwatch Institute’s 2004 annual report “Richer, Fatter, and Not Much Happier.” Higher levels of obesity and personal debt, chronic time shortages, and a degraded environment are all signs that excessive consumption is diminishing the quality of life for many people. The challenge now is to mobilize governments, businesses, and citizens to shift their focus away from the unrestrained accumulation of goods and toward finding ways to ensure a better life for all. Worldwatch Institute, “Richer, Fatter, and Not Much Happier” 2004 Institute advocates: • Increasing taxes on on manufacturers, • minimizing the impact of production on natural resources through government regulation

17. Canada and Carbon Tax • Due to scientific research, extreme weather events, increasing global temperatures – the environment has become an important part of most political parties’ platforms • Carbon emissions reduction have become key political points • How will political parties deal with the environment and still have economic growth, and have the least effect on the citizen’s pocketbook • 2008 Federal Election • Conservative: proposed emission reduction targets for industry and caps on specific pollutants • NDP: based on “cap and Trade” – overall pollution would be limited by the gov’t, those industries below the target would receive credits they could sell to other companies • Liberals: cap and trade system with a carbon tax on each tonne of carbon emissions • Greens: carbon tax and cap system, and carbon tax Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

18. Canada and Carbon Tax • Sept 2008, Sierra Club of Canada – volunteer environmental org. graded the political parties: • Greens A- • Liberals B+ • NDP B • Conservatives F+ • To what extent should the Canadian government implement policies based on citizens’ concerns about the environment? • July 1, 2008 BC began to phase in a provincial carbon tax • Designed to discourage the use of fossil fuels and thereby reduce carbon emissions • 72% of Canadians felt BC’s carbon tax was a positive step Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

19. Balancing Environmentalism and Economics • A discussion about the welcoming development of India. The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, describes itself as “an institution that creates a conducive, enabling climate for Indian businesses to pursue sustainability goals.” India’s new trajectory of high economic growth is a welcome development, providing the wherewithal to secure progressively higher standards of living. For such rapid growth to be sustainable it is imperative to include those living at the margin as meaningful participants in the economic process and preserve the capacity of the natural ecosystem to support growth aspirations. I believe that Indian Business needs to enlarge its contribution beyond its primary role of enhancing economic capital, towards also enhancing social capital and natural capital. Y.C. Deveshwar, Chairman, • Does Deveshwar’s point of view reflect classical liberal or modern liberal ideology? • What might be the consequences of adopting Deveshwar’s point of view? What might be the consequences of rejecting his point of view? • Should governments limit our individual freedom as consumers in society? Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

20. Neo-Conservatism • “When two neo-conservatives meet they are more likely to argue with one another than to confer or conspire.” Irving Kristol, 2003 • Many are former liberals – where liberal policies have failed • Some aspects of neo-conservatism challenge modern liberal principles and favour a return to classical liberalism • Other neo-conservatives challenge both classical and modern liberalism Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

21. Neo-Conservatism • Emerged in the US during the 50s & 60s against modern liberal principles that had gone too far • Civil Rights Movement • Affirmative action – (ideals of equality and individualism) • Détente between the USSR and USA (60s & 70s) seen as a period of weak foreign policy – Neo-Cons rallied against diplomacy in favour of actively promoting capitalism and democracy abroad and fighting against the spread of communism • Grew in popularity in the 1980s – reflected in the economic, social, and foreign policies of the US with Ronald Reagan and British PM Margaret Thatcher • Cold War heated up – massive military spending around the world • With the collapse of the USSR in the 1980s, Neo-Cons felt that they had won the Cold War • Support began to fall during the 90s with George H W Bush and Bill Clinton’s reduction in military spending Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

22. Neo-Conservatism • 1997, Project for the New American Century (PNAC) • To advocate increasing defense spending • Promoting democracy and capitalism abroad • Strengthening America’s ties to democratic allies • Challenging other governments that are “hostile to American interests and values” http://newamericancentury.org/statementofprinciples.htm • Many of George W Bush’s administration were PNAC members • After 911 the policy of promoting democracy abroad was adopted by the White House Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

23. Neo-Conservatism Economic Policy • Economic growth stimulated by cutting taxes • Government involvement in economic markets should be limited • Lower taxes in a free market to create conditions that resemble classical liberal economic policy • Evidence of Int’l influence • WTO – World Trade organization • IMF – International Monetary Fund • Promote free trade, reducing tariffs, concessions, regulations regarding government involvement • Milton Friedman promoted classical liberal policies – minimizing gov’t involvement in the economy and reducing gov’t regulation of all kinds • Opposed gov’t programs – public education, public health, public housing Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

24. Neo-Conservatism and the Role of Government • Not comfortable with large amount of services provided by modern gov’t – prefer alternative ways of providing services – they do believe in education • Modern liberals generally believe the gov’t should provide most essential services, health care and education • Neo-conservative – private schools, free from many of the rules, regulations and gov’t controls • US 23 % schools are private, 4% in Alberta, 10% in Quebec “For more than three decades, Friedman and his powerful followers had been perfecting this very strategy: waiting for a major crisis, then selling off pieces of the state to private players while citizens were still reeling from the shock.” Naomi Klein, The Shock Doctrine, 2007 Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

25. Neo-Conservatism and Foreign Policy Neo-Conservatism and Morality Foreign Policy common area for neo-conservatives Includes: • Patriotism is good and should be encouraged • World gov’t not a good idea, it will lead to tyranny • A large country’s interests extend beyond borders – requires a strong military • Democratic capitalism is the preferable system – and should be promoted internationally • One aspect of the decision to invade Iraq in 2003 • Have traditional views about social issues • Concerned about the demise of the traditional moral culture • Tend to be suspicious of counter-culture movements • Influenced by the Christian Right: • Curtailing abortion • Allowing prayer is school • Teaching creationism in science Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

26. State of the Union Address, 2002 Speech after 9/11 The men and women of our Armed Forces have delivered a message now clear to every enemy of the United States: Even 7000 miles away, across oceans and continents, on mountaintops and in caves – you will not escape the justice of this nation… States like these (Iraq), and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States. In any of these cases, the price of indifference would be catastrophic… My budget includes the largest increase in defense spending in two decades – because while the price of freedom and security I high, it is never too high. Whatever it costs to defend our country, we will pay. George W. Bush. January 29, 2002 • What ideas from this speech reflect neo-conservatives ideas related to foreign policy? • How do these ideas relate to classical and modern liberalism? Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

27. Placing the Community Above the Individual Doukhobors immigrated to Canada from Russia in19th century • Believed in communitarianism –owned and worked the land together • Did not recognize the authority of the secular (non-religious) gov’t, would not swear an oath to the Cdn gov’t • Homestead land grants were taken away • Hutterites also practice communal land ownership • The emphasis such religious communities place on the community differs from the classical liberal concept of the individual as the basis of law and order • Can you imagine a situation in which the practices of communitarian groups such as the Doukhobors might conflict with the rights of an individual in one of these communities? • Can you imagine a situation in which these practices might conflict with the values of the larger community? Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

28. Government Limitations on Religious Practices Frank McKenna , former NB premier and ambassador to the US, stated, ”Canada is truly a secular state. Religion and politics do not mix in this country.” Canwest News Service June 1, 2007 Freedom of religion a central value of liberalism Gov’t sometimes puts limits on religious practices to prevent them from conflicting with the rights of the individual members of a religious community Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

29. Toronto 2005 – Protests against Sharia law (Islamic law) being contemplated to settle family disputes • Critics argue sharia law is incompatible with the Canadian legal system • Doesn’t treat men and women equally when it comes to marriage, divorce, and inheritance • Ontario had allowed faith-based arbitration by other religious communities • Ontario has allowed Catholic and Jewish faith-based tribunals to settle family law matters on a voluntary basis since 1991, but the practice got little attention until Muslim leaders demanded the same rights. CBC 2005 • There will be no religious arbitration in Ontario. There will be one law for all Ontarians. CTV, 2005 • To what extent should a government impose liberal principles on religious minority groups? Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD

30. Christian Right members generally Modern Liberals generally • Support the rights of the unborn • Believe families with heterosexual, married parents create the best environment for children • Support legislation against the use of overt sexual or violent content in television, movies, the Internet, and music • Believe that religion has a place in publicly funded institutions, for example, that prayer should be allowed in public schools • Focus on the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and fulfill their responsibilities as community members • Supports a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion as protected by existing abortion laws • Favour equal rights for people of al sexual orientations, including their right to marry, and believe that all people equally have the right to parenthood • Support the freedom to create and distribute any material that does not infringe on the rights of others and the others and the right for adults to choose the content to which they are exposed • Support secular (non-faith-based) policies and practices in publicly funded institutions • Focus on the need for unequal opportunities in society to be balanced through government intervention, such as affirmative action programs Wendy Butler Ryley School BRSD