In a recent Facebook comment I indicated that I was a conservative, and consequently most often voted for Republican candidates. I'm not planning to vote for President this year—neither candidate promises to deal with the most pressing problems endangering the Republic. Neither do I have any confidence in their character or competence. Charles C.W. Cooke is dispirited by the prospects of the next four years, whichever candidate wins the Presidency, but he is less pessimistic over the long term:
For a conservative classical liberal such as myself, this election season has been alarming and grotesque, and I am convinced that, one way or another, we are destined to pay a price for it. But I do not worry about conservatism in the longer term, because I believe that the central insights of conservatism are correct. Human nature is immutable. The world is a dangerous place. Ambition must be channeled productively. We cannot spend more than we make. There are no solutions, only settlements. Equality under the law is superior to the alternatives. Practice is a better indicator of success than theory. Power corrupts less when it is shared between competing institutions. Government ought to be as close to the people as possible. That which cannot go on forever will stop. From time to time we take a vacation from these truths, but a vacation is all it can be, for, eventually, reality will kick in — yes, even in Washington, D.C. (more)
would like to read more. but am limited income and elderly over 83!!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry. This is a publication to which I've subscribed for about seven decades, so I recommend it. But sorry this wasn't available without subscribing. The section I quoted made the point I wanted to make.
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