The 20th century is over. Marxism remains contemptible, anachronistic, and hasn’t a prayer of real comeback. To the extent that full-blooded socialism is returning to compete with liberal democracy for the allegiance of modern persons, it does so in populist garb—and in the future, its . . . . Continue Reading »
There’s a very fundamental controversy lurking in the Machiavellian thread below that I want to highlight: Escoffier: The dichotomy may be false to a believer, but Nick is quite the opposite of a believer. There is natural death and that is it, lights out, worm food. The entire supernatural . . . . Continue Reading »
So it’s hardly surprising that you’d find in Yuval’s journal a sensible and rigorous criticism of “the presumption of liberty” theory of judicial review (by Joel Alicea). Here’s a taste: Barnett’s presumption eliminates the need to demonstrate a conflict . . . . Continue Reading »
First off, I direct you to the threads for lots of good stuff—including very complicated and smart musings by Escoffier on just how strange Mansfield’s interpretation of Machiavelli is, together with a Big Mach numerology puzzler (for those who care about such stuff). Other news: The . . . . Continue Reading »
So I have nothing new today. Please read the three great threads on GIRLS, TYLER COWEN, and Carl’s view of LIBERTY. There’s nothing else going on anywhere that’s smarter and more timely than they are. Most important, for now, is Pete’s post below this one. I would summarize . . . . Continue Reading »
I haven’t had much to say about the partial government shutdown/debt ceiling squabble because I find it simultaneously confusing, irritating, and boring. I wouldn’t have adopted the strategy of Ted Cruz and the House Republicans, but I hold out hope that all the huffing and puffing on . . . . Continue Reading »
It’s true as our Peter once said, in one of the most engaging essays on the man out there, that “On the most fundamental questions, Jefferson ought not to be our only guide.” Yes, but we all have to grapple with his legacy. This Thursday, dribbling a bit into Friday, the Center . . . . Continue Reading »
So this might (or might not) complicate Carl’s vision of a libertarian and social conservative alliance. In any case, let me add myself to the chorus of admirers of Carl’s most recent, thoughtful, and original post. . . . . Continue Reading »
My last essay ended by noting that conservatives are told by many of their leading politicians and pundits that America’s fundamental problem is that too many of their fellow citizens no longer understand its basic principles, of which liberty has pride of place. Were we to get enough . . . . Continue Reading »
Subscribe
Latest Issue
Support First Things
