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 Chamberlain
eschewing 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"