Here we are, only roughly four years since Rove was talking about a "permanent Republican majority." Of course, one has to assume this was simply rhetoric, since anyone who has taken the time to read history (and surely Rove has) knows such claims are absurd--regardless the party. Sadly, the party had become tied to the disastrous policies of Bush et al. I am more hopeful for the Republicans than I have been in at least 20 years, probably more like 30. Why? Because the consensus has broken down, many are seeing that the old ways simply are not working, and several leaders are saying it's time for a serious re-think. Some may see these arguments as evidence of disaster; I see them as possible re-birth. I am sure I will still dsiagree with conservatives more than progressives, predominantly on the basis of what I understand God to call us to (and that's not Western individualism and Lockean liberalism, mainstays of conservatives). But, who knows? Let's pray for some real movement in ways that better serve the common good. Let the arguing continue:)
I remember the days of Reagan and O'Neill - they were on opposite sides of nearly every issue - but there was no name-calling and they were at-all-times civil with each other.
Yes - both sides are to blame for the rank partisanship and incivility. I'm ready for dialogue - with both sides maintaining principled arguments.
Posted by: Charles Parker | May 24, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Chuck, what is your opinion of the economic philosophy of Distributism as promoted by the likes of G. K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc (good reference: http://chesterton.org/gkc/distributist.html)?
Posted by: David Walker | May 25, 2009 at 07:44 PM
Chuck, what is your opinion of the economic philosophy of Distributism as promoted by the likes of G.K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc (some of Chesterton's ideas can be found here: http://chesterton.org/gkc/distributist.html)
Posted by: David Walker | May 25, 2009 at 07:53 PM
Oops, sorry about the double post. I didn't think the first one took.
Posted by: David Walker | May 25, 2009 at 07:54 PM
Chesterton also wrote a great book on the subject of Distributism titled "The Outline of Sanity"
Posted by: David Walker | May 26, 2009 at 12:14 PM