Andrew Sullivan on conservativism following McCain's speech:
What makes me sad is how so many young people have no idea any more what conservatism could mean if it were true to itself.... But the corruption of this party is so deep - morally, ethically, philosophically - McCain can't do it.
I'm sure conservatism will one day recover - because it is right about the main issues: government needs to be kept in its place, taxes should be low and budgets balanced, individuals should be able to pursue their dreams as free of government control as possible, families do matter and need to be free from government interference, free markets and enterprise are the only guarantees of prosperity, moral choices - and their consequences - should be faced by the individual responsibly, and we have to be strong in our defense and prudent in foreign policy. This is the conservatism I still believe in. Deep down, I'm sure McCain does too. But it will only come from the ashes of this fundamentalist, mean-spirited, parochial, arrogant, big-spending, irresponsible shambles of a party. We have to repudiate the party of Rove and Abramoff and Romney and Dobson and Cheney and Bush II.
Burn it down and start over.
Adam’s Friend’s Burrito Recipe
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I wonder how many times I've made these burritos.
1 onion, chopped
2 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp chili powder
6 cloves garlic, minced
4 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp cumin
...
4 years ago
6 comments:
Burn it down I agree with; but can't we just sweep it into the trash where it belongs.
I've been told by those with an interest in labeling that I am a...conservative(gasp,shock,horror!)
But who gets to decide that? Sullivan? McCain? I don't feel much in common with either. I don't think in terms of conservative/liberal. I go for issues. Haven't heard much of those in the past few weeks. The only issue now is winning, right? Tear down the other 'side', burn and trash. Does that include me? Sew a big scarlet 'C' on my chest and march me off to the ovens? Am I that dangerous to the open mind crowd? I don't think so. Unfortunately, the veneer of civility we all (myself included) lurk under has been pulled back and we are being exposed and our faux dialogue is shown for what it is, a pretense to appear less self-righteous than the other 'side' while planning to crush them at the next opportunity. A sad thing that can only be addressed on a personal level. Forgive me my brothers and sisters.
Crusty McShorts
Crusty,
I wouldn't sew a "C" on your chest cause I'm terrible with needle and thread. As for the ovens? that's crazy cause I know you can't cook - what would be the point?
But what are the issues that you want to talk about? Let's do that here. Let's talk about the issues. I'm all for it. C'mon Crusty, help me do this.
Arlopop,
I see only three issues, which repeatedly manifest themselves in various and sundry ways. These issues are as follows:
1. Life (abortion, death penalty, etc.)
2. Liberty (national security, civil rights, etc.)
3: The pursuit of happiness. (somewhat mutually agreed upon matters of civil discourse, responsibility, personal fulfillment, etc.)
Crusty 'Shake&Bake' McShorts
But can't you break down those three issues into... well... sub-issues? I mean surely national security is sometimes - some would argue frequently - at odds with say, civil rights. To lump them into one pile together may make for an easier division of duties, but it doesn't help start the discussion, does it?
Seriously, what should we be doing about national security, for instance that we aren't doing right now? Or to promote personal responsibility? Or getting down to the nitty gritty, to make certain that people aren't going hungry or that they can afford proper medical care or not having more children than they can support? I mean these are things we can disagree on but we might be able to find common ground for solutions. Is there anyone in this country that's really in favor of starvation or suffering due to lack of care or families that can't support themselves? I doubt it. We all want the same things for our citizenry; it's the solutions that seem to lead to conflict. It seems that if our goals are so similar than it's just a disagreement over the means.
That's what I mean by "Help me out." Let's talk about how to get there in a civil and respectful manner. It can't be any worse than what the boys and girls with the signs and the buttons have been doing, right?
Please, pick a topic of your choice. A topic that matters to you. Let the discussion begin.
El Crusto Grande
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