>Why? Why must we treat adults as children
I am suggesting the opposite. Rather than treat adults as children and censoring what they can and can not see. I am suggesting we give them the skills to critically analyze input they receive.
> that we have been entrusted with, and that it is our responsibility to give them 'mental medicine'? What makes our thinking superior to others' that we need to lord over them in this way?
Why provide any education at all then? As a society it is our responsibility to skill the next generation with the skills they need to operate in our society. I believe critical thinking skills is one of these required skills.
> I believe that these ideals are bottom-up. We form governments that align with the ideals of the people, not the other way around
I agree with this. But to get the best form of government we need educated and intelligent citizens.
> If the people out of choice or ignorance no longer care about the ideals of liberal democracy, who are we to force them onto others?
We really are fucked then aren't we. I kind of like living in a liberal democracy. If we throw our current system out due to ignorance I am very confident what comes next will not be superior. I'm not willing to accept that as path we take.