Peter Hitchens explains the nature of modern liberalism

Another great essay by Peter Hitchens (the younger and wise brother of the late Christopher), this one explaining the nature of modern liberalism.  Well worth a read.

One thing that struck me about Hitchens' analysis is how his description of liberalism fits with the American phenomenon of libertarianism.  Note the similarity between his explanation of the goals of liberalism with the goals of libertarianism.  And as with liberalism, the social anarchy birthed by libertarianism results inevitably in tyranny.  Man must, as Burke observed, be ruled.  He can either rule himself or he will be ruled by others, but he must be ruled.  And key to self-government is virtue, reinforced by the law.  For the law is not only a policeman, as Martin Luther King, Jr. noted, but also a teacher.