a viewpoint in which one advocates for neutral classical liberal principles in the face of
illiberal forces despite the zealous willingness of illiberal forces to turn the tools of classical liberalism against itself in the pursuit of power. A believer in David Frenchism assumes that under a free speech doctrine, all views will be afforded space in the public square in the marketplace of ideas, and holds this view even when presented with overwhelming evidence that allied forces are being effectively squeezed out by illiberal forces. David Frenchism typically involves improperly assessing the facts on the ground, underestimated the strength and determination of a political opponent, and making naive, Constitution-based legal arguments that are tantamount to "powerlessness by design" that
cedes the field to a political enemy.
See:
Over a barrel
See also:
Neville Chamberlaineschewing using power of the state to
political opposition uses the tools of classical liberlism against itself to empower
"Well Bob, I know it sucks that we're
chained against the wall in this
gulag when we were free only a few days ago... But hey, at least we held onto our beliefs in
classical liberalism and David Frenchism"
