“Welcome ladies and remaining gentlemen.”

“It’s 2018 and marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment finally isn’t.”

“For the male nominees in the room tonight, this is the first time in three months it won’t be terrifying to hear your name read out loud.”

“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up!”

The quotes above were not mentioned at a political rally but at this recent Golden Globe awards. This week has been dominated by stories of assertive left wingers throwing their weight around. Including the outrage over Toby Young’s appointment as universities regulator. Which would not have been so angry if Mr Young was left-wing.

When I heard the remarks above over the radio my response was quiet indignation. “How dare somebody claim all men for the wrongs in the world!”

However, I eventually regained rationality. There is a popular narrative at the moment that states ‘white men need to step aside.’ As this is so obviously ridiculous, it is tempting to play the outrage game. 

We would do well to remember that Libertarianism, Objectivism and Liberalism are not reactionary creeds. While much of what was said at the Golden Globe awards was rather cringe-worthy (especially because of who was saying it). In our current politics, we have a great abundance of outrage. Liberalism provides a more measured and less knee-jerk perspective.

Writing in very different times Mises and Hayek do not mourn the passing of some golden age. But that they lament the mass abandonment of a still radical idea.

I am not for a minute saying that nasty collectivist ideas should go unchallenged. But they should be challenged on Liberal grounds. By playing along in the outrage game means you lose your head and abandon your principles.