The heart of liberalism: totalitarianism

Scott Johnson notes that

There is an important book that remains to be written about the totalitarian imperative at the heart of liberalism.

Johnson quotes a book entitled "Dictatorship of Virtue" by former New York Times reporter Richard Bernstein,

“It sanctions a cultivation of aggrievement, a constant claim of victimization, an excessive, fussy self-pitying sort of wariness that induces others to spout pieties. And that, in turn, covers public discussion of crucial issues with a layer of fear, so that we can no longer speak forthrightly and honestly about matters such as crime, race poverty, AIDS, the failure of schools, single- parenthood, affirmative action, racial preferences, welfare, college admissions, merit, the breakup of the family, and the disintegration of urban life.”

Johnson adds,

It is not just dissent that must be stifled, it is “incorrect” thought, for incorrect thought may lead to incorrect speech and incorrect speech may lead to incorrect action.

Kevin Williamson expands on the subject in his piece entitled "Liberal Gulag" at National Review.