The whole "left-right" single-spectrum metaphor, particularly the American reduction of it into a column A-or-column B mindset, is such a thought-killing meme.

The whole "left-right" single-spectrum metaphor, particularly the American reduction of it into a column A-or-column B mindset, is such a thought-killing meme. "a conservative wants to preserve the status quo" A fourth-grade textbook explanation, but one that has little connection to the ideology or to the political party most commonly deemed "conservative". What's status quo about wanting things like overturning Roe v Wade, constitutional amendments to stop gay marriage, stringent anti-immigration efforts, or invading the Middle East? Hell, what on Earth was status quo about 2001-2008? "this is not a slight on libertarians, just making it clear there is a distinction between people who like what we have now and people who want to roll back even what we have now" More making it clear that you don't know much about libertarians, or are only dimly aware of libertarians not wanting particular government programs you're fond of. What's "reactionary" about wanting to abandon the military imperialism of the last, oh, century or so? What's "reactionary" about open borders, or wanting to end the drug war, the war on terror, agriculture subsidies, and eminent domain abuse? ETA: And how do anarcho-capitalists fit into this setup? :)