Political Thought

Still Feeling the Violence

By Justin Katz | December 6, 2008 |

Anybody who missed last night’s Violent Roundtable on the Matt Allen Show — or who would like to listen to it again — can download it here. I’ll tell you that, from the other side of the microphone, that hour just flies by. By habit, I keep out a notebook during such discussions and jot…

The Powers and the Victims

By Justin Katz | December 3, 2008 |

I note something telling and pervasive in the latest anti-TCC assault by Tiverton Democrat stone-thrower Richard Joslin (currently online only; we’ll see tonight whether it gets into the Sakonnet Times): I know TCC supporters who are elderly, on fixed income and live mostly in North Tiverton. I am not upset about these people. I know…

Further to the Future of the GOP

By Monique Chartier | November 18, 2008 |

And another friend last week shared some of his own thoughts on the subject. [Reprinted with permission.] For our national party and the RIGOP, without question November 5, 2008 was the first day of the rest of our lives. What lies ahead is not a task for the timid, the inexperienced, or the unbalanced. As…

The Shackles of PCism

By Justin Katz | November 17, 2008 |

Here’s a jarring line from a story about the ongoing battle between reporters and the corrupt in Russia (emphasis added): “Beketov has lost a leg and is still in a coma, but that is not all — threatening calls were also made to the hospital where he was taken,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Violence against…

A Roman Role Model for Rhode Island?

By Monique Chartier | November 16, 2008 |

As much for public-spiritedness of governing philosophy as for aspiration of tenure, the leadership of our citizen legislature might do worse than emulate this fellow.

A Windfall Bailout

By Justin Katz | November 15, 2008 |

As I pumped sub-$2.00-per-gallon gas into my work van this morning, shortly after having listened to a debate about a GM bailout on Cavuto this morning while doing the dishes, something occurred to me that I’m surprised to have not heard mentioned: There’s a common theme that runs from the bailout mentality through the idea…

Flooding the Social Car

By Justin Katz | November 9, 2008 |

A clever cartoon on socialism from Day by Day, today.

Progress or return?

By Donald B. Hawthorne | November 8, 2008 |

It’s been a while since the term “Straussian” was thrown around. Rather than project interpretations by third parties onto others, here are some actual thoughts from the philosopher himself on the subject of progress: When the prophets call their people to account, they do not limit themselves to accusing them of this or that particular…

Re: Marriage Amendments

By Justin Katz | November 5, 2008 |

As Marc notes, traditional marriage won big, this election, despite a political turnout that would have seemed likely to point in the other direction. For federalist conservatives, these results are pretty close to the ideal of how things should work: The people of each state decide their policies, and when the judiciary over reaches, the…

Looking into the Wilderness

By Marc Comtois | October 16, 2008 |

Markos Moulitsas (Daily Kos himself) recently wrote (h/t) that he wants to “break the conservative movement’s backs and crush their spirits.” He wants to “destroy their most beloved leaders” and silence “some of their most cherished voices.” Further, he writes, with the 2008 election, the liberal/progressive/Democratic movement “[has] been blessed with an opportunity to help…