The Idealist

This op-ed in the New York Times, and this other from the Economist, have me worried. They both describe an increasingly common view in America that “the other” is “evil” and that government as broken beyond repair to the point that violent revolution is an option. I don’t agree with everything in the news pieces, [...]

Obama Speech Connects to the Founders' Foreign Policy | Christopher Preble | Cato Institute: Commentary Posted using ShareThis

The critical nature of virtue, both public and private, for the preservation of freedom is fundamental for conservatives and those who venerate the founders and read their writings. I would like to ask the inverse question: Is it Freedom that is essential for attaining Virtue?

Often conservatives (and hawkish liberals like Hillary and Biden and Lieberman) justify the need for secrecy in foreign policy. The following is a great answer to that justification from 17th century Jewish philosopher Baruch de Espinoza (better known as Spinoza).

Another quote from Tocqueville: “For my own part, I doubt whether man can ever support at the same time complete religious independence and entire public freedom. And I am inclined to think, that if faith be wanting in him, he must serve; and if he be free, he must believe.” What do you think about [...]

As we continue to be subjected to campaign speeches and government rhetoric, it is wise to listen to the words of H.L. Mencken discussing the way to get elected (and also to retain power). Politicians,” he notes with his characteristic wit, “seldom if ever get [into public office] by merit alone, at least in democratic [...]

The blog at Purim has dissolved. I will resume blogging here for the time being. Stay tuned.

I have started posting with two other bloggers (one a democratic socialist, the other a libertarian) at a political Mormon blog. They have been active at the site for over a year now and were discussing the possibility of shutting it down because of some departures of other contributors. I offered to post occasionally and [...]

This is a follow-up post to my previous one regarding Adams’ constitutional views. So John Adams saw the necessity of a mixed government, combining and balancing the monarchical, the aristocratic, and the democratic natures within society.