Anyway, Paul wondered aloud why, in this country, so many people don’t seem to realise that you can be in favour of something without subsidising it, and that you can be against something without making a law against it. This doesn’t just apply to the UK, it’s a rampant blind spot for most of Europe and, from what I can see, has taken firm root in the minds of many Americans, too. What’s up with that?
I'd say this was a particular feature of New Labour - or perhaps democratic socialism as it's currently expressed in much of Europe (though I'm guessing - as I don't follow European domestic politics). My lefty colleagues see no difference between civic life and the life of the stae. That is worthy causes ought to be supported by the State - i.e. you and me through the public pound. I don't agree. Problem is - one person's idea of worthy may not be another's. I also believe that one should subsidise worthy causes - and that is why we have charities and that is why we should give to them.
Some things should be supported by the state - where this is both the most efficient and equitable use of resources. There will be always be a dispute in any society about which of those things should be produced by the state.
And as far as outlawing goes...I think this is another New Labour tendency, but not New Labour alone. Yes, I think racism is bad. Very bad. But do I think we should outlaw people saying racists things. No, I certainly do not. (New Labour does and has) I realise that some people in this country think that racism is a kind of greatest evil (I don't) and thus we should outlaw, outlaw, outlaw. I also realise that some people in the US think that abortion is the greatest evil (I do not) and thus we should outlaw, outlaw, outlaw.
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