RE: Richard John Neuhaus 1936-2009

by Mary Rose Somarriba

Words of fond remembrance from Alan Jacobs on the American Scene and Pete Wehner on NRO. More to come . . . . . . . Continue Reading »

8 Jan 2009 0

Dr. Seuss, Big-Box Lockean

Apropos of the perennial Locke-run-amok conversation, consider Noah Berlatsky’s piece at the main site : the American spirit galumphs and galerks through every one of the Doctor’s works. Like his fellow citizens, Seuss is boisterous, hearty, optimistic, profligate in invention, and not . . . . Continue Reading »

8 Jan 2009 0

Father Richard John Neuhaus Has Died

by Wesley J. Smith

Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, who started First Things magazine, has died from the complications of cancer. Like many Martin Luther King liberals, the Left left him, and he became identified as a conservative. From the story:During the ferment of the 1960s, Neuhaus was identified with progressive . . . . Continue Reading »

8 Jan 2009 0

Richard John Neuhaus: 1936-2009

by Mary Rose Somarriba

We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of First Things ’ founder, editor in chief, and friend, Fr. Richard John Neuhaus. We’ll be collecting here some materials on the life and work of this great man. Today on our homepage, you’ll find a reprint of Fr. Neuhaus’ essay . . . . Continue Reading »

8 Jan 2009 0

Judicial Tyranny in Montana

by Wesley J. Smith

When a very controversial ruling comes down from our rulers in black robes, it is customary that pending an appeal to the highest court, the decision be stayed—that is suspended—until the final decision from a higher court is in. But Montana’s assisted suicide maven, Judge Dorothy . . . . Continue Reading »

8 Jan 2009 0

A Bailout Package for the Porn Industry?

by Ryan Sayre Patrico

No, Thanks. That’s one sector of the economy I wouldn’t mind seeing go under. . . . . Continue Reading »

8 Jan 2009 0

Apply to Be a Junior Fellow

by Nathaniel Peters

People might wonder what it’s like to be a junior fellow here at First Things . “What’s the best part?” such an imaginary interlocutor would say. The power? The fame? The money? The sex appeal? Without question, junior fellows enjoy all of those. But more than that, you get . . . . Continue Reading »

8 Jan 2009 0

Coup de Culture Alert: Media Mislead About Effectiveness of Abstinence Pledges

by Wesley J. Smith

Once again the media are caught with their, if you will excuse the pun, pants down. A study was released a week or so ago that claimed there is no difference in the initial onset of sex between teenagers who took abstinence pledges and other teenagers. Sounds bad for promoting sexual restraint, . . . . Continue Reading »

7 Jan 2009 0

How My 2008 Predictions in Bioethics Turned Out

by Wesley J. Smith

Each year, the Center for Bioethics and Culture asks me to make predictions for the upcoming year about what can be expected in the field of bioethics. I didn’t do too badly last year—although when my head told me I-1000 would pass legalizing assisted suicide in WA, and my heart told me . . . . Continue Reading »

7 Jan 2009 0

Violence, Politics, Peace

Without kicking open too big a can of worms, consider this line from Andrew , brought to my attention by John : McCain is a warrior; Ron Paul is a conservative of non-violence. At some deep philosophical level, this is the dividing line between Oakeshott and Strauss, as well. I’m no follower . . . . Continue Reading »

7 Jan 2009 0