STRANGELAND.NET

It seems in the world of political thought today, the voice of the moderate gets lost in the rush from the extremes. Also, far too many people want to paint with a broad brush and paint people completely into one corner or the other, ignoring those who choose to pick and choose from various portions of political philosophies. Some people describe those who don’t want to be in those corners as moderates, centrists, or even Purple Americans (blue and red combine to make purple for those playing at home).

That’s the category in which I find myself.

Politically, I’m a registered Libertarian. Philosophically, I tend to be an Objectivist. Socially, I’m about as liberal as they come.

I like my finances conservative, my government small, and my freedom unhindered (so long as it doesn’t hinder someone else’s freedom). Government is a necessary evil that should be watched like a hawk. You should not look to the government to provide for your every need.

When it comes to the United States in particular, I do not believe the Constitution is a mutable document. I tend to lean toward the originalist camp when it comes to Constitutional interpretation. I believe that politicians should represent their constituents, not special interests (be they private concerns or their political party). I think elections laws, as currently written, foster the two party system and hinder the development of other choices in the political arena. I also believe the campaign finance reform laws currently on the book are a needless hindering of political freedom.

I currently reside in a state of disgust with my US Representative and the two Senators from my State. Unfortunately I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but I don’t intend to sit back and let it drift by anymore.

I’m a firm supporter of the Fair Tax (HR/SR25, put forward by John Linder of Georgia) and I support most things that lead to a reduction of the size of government (both in whole numbers and in its level of intrusiveness in our lives).

All of that being said, there may be times where my positions don’t seem to line up with my general philosophy. To that I simply note that there are exceptions to every rule and I’m only human. Each of us dives into hypocrisy at times and there are always times where our personal beliefs will not necessarily line up completely with our political beliefs.

stranger Random Thought

Good evening, gentle readers.

I will be the partaking the role of the voice of the Conservative within the confines of strangeland.net . Conservatism is a mutable, subjectively defined ideology when used in the context of popular culture. I will be using a bit more tried and rigid framework, borrowing heavily from Russel Kirk for the first principles of conservatism.

(1) Belief that a Divine intent rules society as well as conscience, forging an eternal chain of right and duty which links great and obscure, living and dead. Political problems, at bottom, are religious and moral problems.

(2) Affection for the proliferating variety and mystery of traditional life, as distinguished from the narrowing uniformity, egalitarianism, and utilitarian aims of most radical systems.

(3) Conviction that civilized society requires orders and classes. The only true equality is moral equality; all other attempts at levelling lead to despair, if enforced by positive legislation.

(4) Persuasion that property and freedom are inseparably connected, and that economic levelling is not economic progress. Separate property from private possession and liberty is erased.

(5) Faith in prescription and distrust of ’sophisters and calculators.’ Man must put a control upon his will and his appetite, for Conservatives know man to be governed more by emotion than by reason. Tradition and sound prejudice provide checks upon man’s anarchic impulse.

(6) Recognition that change and reform are not identical, and that innovation is a devouring conflagration more often than it is a torch of progress. Society must alter, for slow change is the means of its conservation, like the human body’s perpetual renewal; but Providence is the proper instrument for change, and the test of a statesman is his cognizance of the real tendency of Providential social forces.

I will admit that my views are far from the only ones that will exist within the Conservative camp; indeed, most of the diversity in political thought today is the product of debate among Conservatives — if you doubt this, consider the number of legislative matters on the agenda – voucher and school choice, privatization of Social Security, tax reform, and legal definitions of marriage– all are the interests of different factions of the Conservative movement.

My arguements will often be supplimented by the thoughts of others whom will be given due citation for their contributions and recognition to the best of my ability. I claim no unique thought, or special wisdom, as I firmly believe in the Conservative tradition, that over twenty centuries of Western Civilization has tested and refined what works and what leads to human misery far better than any individual’s ego-driven mind ever could.

As an heir to a rich philisophical and intellectual tradition that remains peopled by vibrant, active thinkers, I will not hesitate to let their influence shine through. D’Souza, Regan, Goldwater, Kirk, and Burke will all make their presences felt through my writing. If you have issue with my content, I will be happy to address comments and inteligible feedback. There is a point beyond which no person should stoop, though, and I will not sink to the level of arguement with fools, lest the reader forget which role I am fulfilling in the exchange.

The Conservative tradition is not limited to a single political party or interest group; it is, however, not an unlimited, all-encompassing theory. It is exclusive only within the confines of the principles underpinning the ideas. No person is born a Lesser Being morally; there is no inherent personal/racial/national superiority.
Conservatism emphasizes the possible over the ideal, the pragmatic over the perfect plan, past experience over future promises.

Let us begin our discussions in the hope of gaining an understanding of one another; even if we cannot reach agreement, we can learn about ourselves and our neighbors.

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