The American right has taken a sharp turn towards authoritarianism and frank fascism. Disinformation, vitriol and violent political repression as primary political tactics have moved to the center of that party. So, I took exception to the absurd assertion that Thiel's "side" is not the oppressive one.
Still, I wasn't speaking about Thiel as much as the party he largely supports and their place in the current political landscape. But, since you mention it, the proposition that he has flexible political views posits him as some sort of centrist, which he decidedly is not. His positions land him squarely in support of what the right has morphed into and, indeed, he has played a role in that transformation. I think you are perhaps not familiar with some of his ideas and activities, or the company he keeps.
You should also know that Libertarianism has likewise been hijacked. It is not some purist movement in the traditional libertarian sense. It is now a vector for destabilization and galvanizing support for anti-democratic ideology and activity--to include dismantling all regulatory regimes that might check the power of people like him or their organizations.
>I guess I’m interested in the intellectual aspects, not political
Simply listening to Thiel (or anyone) purely for their ideas on anything, when I find them morally repugnant, is not something I can stomach, nor do I think it wise.
Lies are toxic. Facts are objective.
The American right has taken a sharp turn towards authoritarianism and frank fascism. Disinformation, vitriol and violent political repression as primary political tactics have moved to the center of that party. So, I took exception to the absurd assertion that Thiel's "side" is not the oppressive one.
Still, I wasn't speaking about Thiel as much as the party he largely supports and their place in the current political landscape. But, since you mention it, the proposition that he has flexible political views posits him as some sort of centrist, which he decidedly is not. His positions land him squarely in support of what the right has morphed into and, indeed, he has played a role in that transformation. I think you are perhaps not familiar with some of his ideas and activities, or the company he keeps.
You should also know that Libertarianism has likewise been hijacked. It is not some purist movement in the traditional libertarian sense. It is now a vector for destabilization and galvanizing support for anti-democratic ideology and activity--to include dismantling all regulatory regimes that might check the power of people like him or their organizations.
>I guess I’m interested in the intellectual aspects, not political
Simply listening to Thiel (or anyone) purely for their ideas on anything, when I find them morally repugnant, is not something I can stomach, nor do I think it wise.