Help me out, here

[Belsnickel]

(12-11-2021, 10:01 PM)michaelsean Wrote: I’m sure most here are aware of this quote, but I like it so I’ll throw it out there again

“My contention is that good men (not bad men) consistently acting upon that position [imposing “the good”] would act as cruelly and unjustly as the greatest tyrants. They might in some respects act even worse. Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber barons cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some points be satiated; but those who torment us for their own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. They may be more likely to go to heaven yet at the same time likely to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be “cured” against one’s will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on the level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals.” CS Lewis

I don't put much stock in C.S. Lewis. He's not someone I turn to when looking at democratic philosophy. This quote, which seems to me very libertarian in nature, could be an argument against any government policy. Any policy enacted through democratic processes could be deemed "tyranny" if one doesn't agree with it.

I also don't fully agree with your delineation between pushing policies to improve the lives of the people and the idea of what is in the best interests of those people. But I think that is a philosophical difference in understanding between us.