Liberals love panicking about problems they reject any and all dramatic action on. “Climate change is scary but you know what’s also scary? Seizing oil assets and forcing an immediate transition to more renewable energy sources.” So we let the problem get worse forever but feel sad about it? Ok.
Liberalism is the melancholy of the status quo. It’s a perspective that recognizes that there are deep seated problems in our society, but it cannot do more than gawk at them because resolving those problems would undo the basis for their comforts and status in a world divided by class and nationality among other characteristics.
Liberalism cannot help but gasp at the horrors their beloved status quo inflicts upon the world but why stop suffering when your empire profits from suffering? Tears and emotional appeals may make for good public relations propaganda but it’s bad for business to take seriously what that sadness necessitates we do in response.