What is Conservatism (CSPAN)
A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful privilege of speaking with Lee Edwards, Rod Dreher, and Bob Merry about the legacy and future of conservatism. We had a lively (and civilized) discussion. And, I even got to… Read More
Mark Pulliam reviews Kevin Gutzman’s THOMAS JEFFERSON
Pulliam and Gutzman are ALWAYS worth reading. Enjoy this encounter of three stunning minds. http://www.libertylawsite.org/2018/05/09/thomas-jefferson-revolutionary/
Founding a REPUBLIC Not a Democracy (TAC)
This evening, at The American Conservative–founding a REPUBLIC not a democracy. Even the most pro-interventionist of the American founders, Alexander Hamilton, could never have imagined or desired the kind of federal government we have now. When he wrote… Read More
Barbarians at the Gate
At midnight, August 24, 410, Alaric and his Gothic warriors entered the gates of Rome and sacked the city, pillaging, raping, and murdering for nearly three solid days. Far from considering himself as a ruthless invader of Rome,… Read More
Why Democracy Despises Friendship: C.S. Lewis
From C.S. Lewis, FOUR LOVES: It is therefore easy to see why Authority frowns on Friendship. Every real Friendship is a sort of secession, even a rebellion. In each knot of Friends there is a sectional “public opinion”… Read More
The Natural Life of a Republic (Full Lecture)
My American Heritage lecture for February 8, 2017: the life of a republic and why it reflects the best in human and divine nature.
What is the American Republic (Full Lecture)
The audio quality is pretty weak, and there are a few minutes of noise and confusion at the beginning. Apologies! I’ll do better on Monday. Regardless, my examination of Protestantism, liberalism, and, especially, republicanism in the 1760s and… Read More
My Favorite Anti-Federalist Papers
Federal Farmer 1 http://www.constitution.org/afp/fedfar01.htm Federal Farmer 2 http://www.constitution.org/afp/fedfar03.htm Federal Farmer 16 http://www.constitution.org/afp/fedfar16.htm Old Whig 1 http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/an-old-whig-i/ Old Whig 3 http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/an-old-whig-iii/ Brutus 1 http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/brutus-i/ Brutus 8 http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/brutus-viii/
Authenticity and Politics at Cato Unbound
As children, we are taught the American founding and the Constitution as though they were sacred documents and sacramental events crafted by demigods. If so, our own Twilight of the Gods must have occurred sometime between 1787 and… Read More
My Thoughts on the Draft and Virtue–11 Years ago
For what they’re worth, my thoughts on the draft and republican virtue. 11 years ago. If anything, I’m even more of a curmudgeon now. https://www.mackinac.org/7255
Stormfields 