Despite their policies, Democrats cynically claim ‘freedom’

Listening to the speeches at the Democratic National Convention may give you the impression that Democrats are embracing the ideas of “The Road to Serfdom” by Frederich Hayek.

In recent times, Democrats have shifted their focus to embrace the language of freedom, and this shift was particularly evident in Chicago.

The convention’s anthem was Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” and the Harris campaign introduced a new ad titled “We believe in freedom.”

Using an old Republican saying, Oprah Winfrey declared, “Freedom isn’t free.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, known for emphasizing this theme in his speeches, referred to the Democrats as “the party of real freedom.”

Vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz heavily relied on this concept, contrasting Republican freedom as invasive and supportive of corporate polluters, and Democratic freedom as protective of people’s choices and safety.

According to the governor of Minnesota, the state’s Golden Rule is “mind your own damn business.”

There are a few things to note about this rhetorical shift — it may work politically by aligning Democrats with a deeply rooted American value, but it also comes across as cynical and contradictory to progressive governance.

It’s as if the early English socialists Beatrice and Sydney Webb adopted the slogan “Live free or die.”

Or if socialist intellectual Michael Harrington suddenly professed admiration for Milton Friedman’s work.

Or if Bernie Sanders displayed a revolutionary-era flag favored by Tea Party activists.

The pieces don’t quite fit together.

Considering Walz, whose actions as governor don’t exactly align with a live-and-let-live philosophy.

This newfound advocate of unrestricted freedom has expanded the reach of Minnesota’s government in various ways.

During the COVID pandemic, he implemented strict rules, closed schools and churches, and set up a hotline for reporting non-compliant individuals.

He imposed new taxes and signed bills that require paid family leave and a transition to carbon-free energy.

As the conservative figure William F. Buckley, Jr. once joked, liberals like to make things mandatory.

Walz has wrongly suggested that the First Amendment allows for restrictions on hate speech and supports banning popular rifles and introducing economic regulations.

He opposes school choice, right-to-work laws, and health savings accounts.

It’s clear he’s not a libertarian.

When Democrats talk about “freedom,” they often mean abortion rights, which may only be considered freedom if the unborn child is deemed without rights or interests.

In Chicago, Democrats referenced the perceived limitation of freedom when authorities dictate reading materials for children.

These decisions are typical for public schools, and Walz has introduced new educational requirements in Minnesota without violating anyone’s freedom.

The freedoms defended by Democrats, such as quality education and public safety, are seen as public goods, not pure expressions of liberty.

Despite the falsehoods and misunderstandings, Democrats sense an opportunity as the Republican Party shifts away from emphasizing freedom.

If Democrats succeed in promoting a false sense of libertarianism, it will be a significant victory for the freedom to deceive.

Twitter: @RichLowry