Aghast Quote by George Will
“Liberals think their campaign against Wal-Mart is a way of introducing the subject of class into America's political argument, and they are more correct than they understand. Their campaign is liberalism as condescension. It is a philosophic repugnance toward markets, because consumer sovereignty results in the masses making messes. Liberals, aghast, see the choices Americans make with their dollars and their ballots and announce - yes, announce - that Americans are sorely in need of more supervision by . . . liberals.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Opinion piece on liberal politics, 2015
Liberals frame anti‑Wal‑Martin campaigns as class issues, but this reflects a condescending view that distrusts market choices.
In simple terms: Liberals see markets as flawed and want more control.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumption that markets always serve the public good.
Themes
politics
economics
class
liberalism
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- campaign strategy
- voter education
- regulatory debate
Key Concepts
market skepticism
class consciousness
policy critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Are markets inherently oppressive or can they empower consumers?
- How can class concerns be addressed without paternalistic oversight?
A Different Perspective
The argument may oversimplify complex consumer behavior and ignore market benefits.
