Dr Dan Goyal’s Substack

But fascism changes the equation. While the moral turbulence remains when thinking positively about a government that has supported genocide, if they are trying to stop fascism, then such moral turbulence is worthwhile. There will be time to adjudicate their record later. The clear and present danger is fascism. A fascist, authoritarian regime will cause more damage and suffering than anything we are experiencing just now. So, for just now, we must practice tolerance and seek alliances across the divide.

The same is true for centrist politicians and even those on the centre-right. In the face of fascism, there is more we agree on than disagree on. Conservatives (and by that I mean traditional conservatives) are opposed to fascism on the grounds of principle. Certainly, they are opposed to idiots like Trump and Musk assuming moral and legal authority over the direction of civilisation. We agree on this, the most important point just now: no fascists can take power.

It is not about left and right anymore. The debate is no longer about a Hobbesian worldview versus a Rousseauian one. We are not arguing whether capitalism or socialism, conservative or progressive, is the correct path for our shared society. It is now simply about whether someone is for fascism or not.

If someone is not for fascism, then, as uncomfortable as it is, we must stand with them.