Talk:Mystery:Did George Orwell Become a Conservative?

Wasn't Orwell, in general, just against totalitarianism, whether from the left or the right? And, especially, he showed how it could come about from either "side"? Human 03:37, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

• The viewpoint of leftists is that totalitarianism can come about from either side, but they give no examples (except maybe Hitler, whose attempt failed). Leftists will do anything to justify socialism and communism, but taking away people's freedom will not bring about peace, lasting prosperity or any kind of ideal world. --Ed Poor ^Talk 18:58, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

Suharto. - EAB 19:08, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

Suharto's Indonesia is another good example of an Authoritarian regime which permitted emigration and religious freedom. If you want to start a debate about what form of government is best, that's what the Conservapedia:Debate Topics are for. You won't fool any conservatives here with that one. --Ed Poor ^Talk 19:45, 1 September 2008 (EDT)

No such things as conservative totalitarianism.--Aschlafly 12:56, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

Surely Augusto Pinochet of Chile leaned to the conservative side of things? In fact, the Independent Democrat Union, a party founded under his direct influence, is the largest conservative party in Chile today. - EAB 17:01, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

Thatcher is a big fan of Pinochet. [1] --Toffeeman 17:08, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

EAB, are you saying that Pinochet, who established democracy and voluntarily stepped down, was a "totalitarian"???--Aschlafly 18:20, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

He did have one heck of a "disappearing" act... - EAB 18:30, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

Aschlafly, did you just praise Pinochet? Democracy didn't come to Chile until the 80's, Pinochet was in power from the 70's. DLerner 18:34, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

Pinochet is the poster boy (or whipping boy) for Western leftists. Supposedly he is the great example of being "right wing" and "anti-democratic". Others say that his anti-socialist coup (of 1973) ultimately preserved democracy.

He's only hated because he prevented Communism from taking over. They only criticize the "disappearances" he allegedly perpetrated, but not the murders carried out by Che Guevara or Fidel Castro, so it's actually an outstanding example of the leftist double standard.

Leftists pretend praise democracy, but they really want to take away other people's power. --Ed Poor ^Talk 18:55, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

Right, Ed. I'd add that leftists have hated Pinochet for decades because he defeated them. It's analogous to how the leftists hate other people who beat them, such as Nixon (who exposed Alger Hiss) and Joe McCarthy. Leftists do hold grudges, big time.--Aschlafly 19:04, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

The two of you would do well to read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Pinochet%27s_arrest_and_trial Wandering 19:18, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

So, I'm a communist 'cause I think Pinochet was a brute. I guess my ancestors escaping from Russia was just to bring communism to the US. I dislike Pinochet because of the:

• Leftists who would "disappear" and never be heard from again.
• Torture
• Arbitrary detention etc.

These anger me as a human not as a leftist. And since we're using cheap shots. Back in the 30's, people on the right admired Mussolini and Hitler for their "efficient" systems of government. DLerner 19:32, 31 August 2008 (EDT)

So far, the only time I've heard you express anger over human rights abuses is with respect to a few cases in a government which (1) had US support and (2) transitioned peacefully to democracy. I wonder how you feel about Communist countries which have done 100's and 1,000s of times more . . . --Ed Poor ^Talk 19:52, 1 September 2008 (EDT)