Israel/Palestine
In reply to the discussion: Why Liberal Zionists Won't Join BDS [View all]aranthus
(3,385 posts)Last edited Fri Feb 15, 2013, 07:05 PM - Edit history (2)
"Did you know you can have self-determination for the Jewish people - all people, in fact- with just liberalism?"
Well, no, you can't, certainly not in any meaningful sense in the real world. Because Liberalism and self determination are two different things. Not mutually inconsistent things, but different. I can't say it better than Shaktiman, so I'll quote him again: "Zionism is a form of nationalism that supports self-determination for the Jewish people. Liberalism is a political philosophy founded on support of liberty and equality." Liberty and equality don't equal self determination. Self-determination is about that sense of national identity without which a Liberal state can't survive. Why do you think the Scots are voting to secede from the UK? Because the UK isn't Liberal? Because Scots aren't treated equally under the law? No, it's because they do things differently in Scotland and want more local control. States without a cohesive national identity break apart. Self determination isn't merely consistent with Liberalism, it's actually necessary to maintain a state which can protect Liberal values.
I suspect, based on what you have posted, that the real difference between you and Shak and I, is that you aren't' actually a Liberal yourself. You seem to be more of an anti-nationalist Leftist in your political philosophy.