Procedural and substantive conservatism

Like other political views, conservatism can be substantive or procedural:

  • A substantive conservative is conservative because he believes there are truths we need that can’t be demonstrated to be true or even articulated fully. He is attached to his own tradition primarily because he sees those truths embodied in it. Substantive conservatives are usually religious
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Today’s quote (Mark Twain)

A totally nonpolitical and indeed (intentionally) nonsensical quote that I just ran into for the first time since college. It struck me as characteristic and very funny then, and still does:

“It was a crisp and spicy morning in early October. The lilacs and laburnums, lit with the glory-fires of autumn, hung burning and flashing

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Federal “hate crimes” bill

Another action alert: People for the American way has set up a toll-free number to let you call your legislator about the pending federal hate crimes bill (The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (S 625)) and the American Family Association is suggesting that all right-wingers do just that. Here’s their email:

Subj: Urgent! Oppose Kennedy

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