Political Thought

The Problem with Activism, Per Se

By Justin Katz | September 17, 2008 |

Although I obviously agree with his immediate point, something in this post by Damon Root strikes the ear funny, in a way that betrays the lack of long-term thinking among libertarians (emphasis added): McCain’s response? “That’s an excellent point.” I don’t know if excellent is the word I’d use. When conservatives complain about judges “legislating…

The Difference Is in What We Love

By Justin Katz | September 10, 2008 |

Most workday mornings (especially if everybody in the house slept through the night), my drive over the Sakonnet River Bridge brings a wave of gratitude for the sights that fill my days. Similarly, the breeze off the water, whether warm or cool, as I cross the parking lot to church come a Sunday morning makes…

Separation of Advocacy and State

By Justin Katz | July 30, 2008 |

Tiverton’s public hearing on charter-related questions potentially to be placed on the next ballot didn’t let out until after 11:00, Monday night, although many in the audience (including the Providence Journal’s Gina Macris) left after the headline-grabbing debate over the future of the financial town meeting had ended. I stayed so late — despite dying…

Trash Day Rant Redux

By Justin Katz | July 29, 2008 |

Given past experience with the vulnerability of our trash receptacles on garbage day, we should have known better. We shouldn’t have run out of garbage bags. The children shouldn’t have filled an unlined can. My wife shouldn’t have put that can out on the street to be emptied into the truck. But it seems to…

Links from a Busy Blogger

By Marc Comtois | July 29, 2008 |

I’ve been busy with “life” (work, family, volunteering, recreation, Citadel board meetings;) and haven’t had a chance to post much of substance. That trend continues, so here are a couple things I’ve found interesting over the last few days. Jim Lindgren has looked into–and exposed–the activities and agenda of a group calling itself Service Nation…

Lessons to Be Drawn

By Justin Katz | July 26, 2008 |

In response to Mary Eberstadt’s thought-provoking piece about the accurate prognostications of Humanae Vitae, Todd Zywicki notes (and Glenn Reynolds seconds) the possibility of a cost-benefit analysis with respect to the sexual revolution. It’s difficult to draw a boundary around the topic; to put it in the form of a question that I posed a…

Open Thread: The Future of America and the Future of Conservatism in America

By Carroll Andrew Morse | July 18, 2008 |

John Adams

By Marc Comtois | July 2, 2008 |

Ed Achorn had a piece yesterday on John Adams and recommended taking in the HBO mini-series that is now out on DVD (I hope to). Coincidentally, I had been thinking about Adams thanks to Matt Allen’s (gratuitous plug!) Independence Day show over the past weekend, during which he read the Declaration of Independence and extolled…

Wait a Second, Mr. Marx

By Justin Katz | April 22, 2008 |

Some aspects of Marxism have a sort of common-sense appeal on first reading. Those of a conservative bent may feel something to be awry, but it takes some sifting to raise, and even then the subtleties foil discussion with those of differing inclinations. Consider Mickey Kaus’s confession of Obamaesque snobbery (via Instapundit): If Democrats had…

High Rollers on the Hill

By Justin Katz | April 21, 2008 |

I get that winning clients sometimes requires wooing them — especially in the glamor-obsessed entertainment industry. As a government activity, however, this makes me very uncomfortable: When Steven Feinberg entertains people in the television and moviemaking industry, he entertains them in style. He sprang for the Ravioli al Filetto at Venda’s Café, the rib-eye special…