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"