Source: Adam Smith Institute
by Madsen Pirie
“There is a moral absolutism in which many on the modern left frame political issues in terms of absolute moral binaries, good versus evil, oppressed versus oppressor. This mindset can justify intolerance of dissent, as opposing views are seen not as just wrong but as immoral, harmful, and the expression of evil. This results in a tendency toward punitive social policing of language, beliefs, and even intent. There is an institutional authoritarianism because many public bodies now embed progressive ideologies through mandatory training, speech policies, and audits. DEI initiatives are an expression of this. These frameworks often leave little room for open debate or alternative perspectives.” (07/31/25)