The problem with progressivism, it also affects members of the Federal coalition.

Today we have Deputy Liberal leader and shadow Foreign Affairs minister, Julie Bishop, declare that an Asian language should be mandatory for Australian schoolchildren.

"I believe that we should have a much greater focus on a second language," she told Sky News today.
"In fact my view is it should be mandatory.
"It should be an Asian language. I wouldn't necessarily say it has to be Mandarin. Japanese, Indonesian - there are a number of Asian languages that would be important."
It really sends a shiver up my spine when I hear anyone from the Liberal Party utter the word “Mandatory”. It’s a word normally exclusively used by progressives, namely the ALP and Greens.
Let me be clear I am not against anyone, particularly schoolchildren, learning a second language. In fact I say go for it if you want to learn a second language.
My issue is with the word “Mandatory”. Forcing people, let alone schoolchildren, is authoritarian and regressive.
We should have the freedom that includes the freedom not to learn a second language, or study music, or play sport.
From the Liberal Website – We Believe…
In the inalienable rights and freedoms of all peoples; and we work towards a lean government that minimises interference in our daily lives; and maximises individual and private sector initiative.
In short, we simply believe in individual freedom and free enterprise; and if you share this belief, then ours is the Party for you.
Unless of course you happen to be a little “l” liberal like Julie Bishop who thinks learning an Asian language should be mandatory for Australian schoolchildren.
Follow Andy on twitter