If neocon is a term of opprobrium, let Murray drop it from his self-promotion. I do not oppose the man’s credo simply because my ex-lover, a neoconservative, did not like to swallow, but from an intimate acquaintance with the dark vision of life it advances. Briefly put, the current holds to free market fundamentalism, authoritarian laws dismembering civil liberties under the guise of the War on Terror, and US militarism abroad. The leading exponents of the neoconservative creed like Bill Kristol and Norman Podhoretz have been ideological changeovers from Leninism who, failing to realise their Soviet dream, switched teams later and began whooping for the only remaining empire of the world. A move from one political monstrosity to another. Mistaken is the notion that I have only just begun taking up cudgels against these people. I disdained such types long before their apostasy.
In sharp contrast to Douglas, Mehdi holds broadly Keynesian economic views on the post-recession deficit that align with the mission statement of the New Statesman. Politically, economically and intellectually he is a social democrat and to that extent is worthy of the imprimatur of NS.
I have one thing, and one thing only in common with Doug. But with Mehdi I concur on most political questions excepting Islam. That being the case, with whom should one align himself? Answer: Depends on your politics. If you like slashing public spending, truncating civil liberties, and bombing darkies abroad, Doug’s your man. If that prospect raises a quizzical eyebrow, give the Muslim a second look. But steady now my sweet, don’t flirt with him. He might be sent to heaven.
I don't think it can be reduced to" slashing public spending, truncating civil liberties, and bombing darkies abroad, Doug’s your man". There is far more to it. The world is far more complicated. For a start, neoconservatism is about seeing things more through a lens of reality and what is consequentially the way forward.
Btw, please could you write in more succinct, direct English, if you don't mind.
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Topic: Mehdi Hassan ... do you approve of him?