Ten Conservative Principles

Orthodoxy Today ^ | Russell Kirk

[muir_redwoods]

#4 Says that Prudence is the greatest virtue. I don't think a single virtue stands on it's own but I would rank honesty higher than prudence.

[IronJack]

I knew the second I saw the title to this thread that it had to come from Russell Kirk. He is the Moses of Conservatism. The Conservative Mind comprises the catechism of our cause, and his other works are ancillary gospels.

[IronJack]

If we had to name two people that gave a rebirth and a firm defination to conservatism in the early 50s for Goldwater, Buckley and Reagan to spring from, it would be Russell Kirk and Richard Weaver.

And, at its roots, Edmund Burke. If you read nothing more than the work of Kirk and Burke (I've got a good rap going there ...), you would know and embrace conservatism. The logic is impeccable, the conclusions sterling, and the results utterly edifying.

[mc5cents]

Fluoride makes the top 7 in your definition of conservative? Wow...(WTF?)

I know. I was having a flashback to Gen. Jack D. Ripper's rant in Dr. Strangelove about "bodily human fluids" being corrupted by the ruskies.

[bayourod]

"I must be ignorant. What's the deal with fluoridation of drinking water? "

You also weren't a conservative in the 70's if you didn't oppose elimination of lead in gasoline.

the definition of a "conservative" changes with the times. Goldwater was pro-choice.

[bayourod]

The point is that the definition of a conservative changes with the times. There are no rules set in stone tablets.

[bayourod]

"I must be ignorant. What's the deal with fluoridation of drinking water? "

Thirty years from now someone will say "I must be ignorant. What's the deal with undocumented workers. "

[Eaker]

Yep.

For one of two reasons.

1) They have taken over and turned the U.S. into the same cesspool as Mexico.
2) They have been kicked out and kept out.

Wrapped that right up for you.


Note: They are not "undocumented workers". They are invading criminals.

[wardaddy]

Thirty years from now someone will say "I must be ignorant

Why wait 30 years Roddy?

You're over qualified to make that statement now.

[Oztrich Boy]

I don't think a single virtue stands on it's own but I would rank honesty higher than prudence.

Well no. Following Machiavelli, it is prudent to seek a reputation for honesty, but not prudent to be always honest.

[cartman90210]

(cue laugh track)

[Sam Cree]

I think there are a good many libertarians, perhaps most, who understand perfectly well that their cherished individual freedom can only exist when those who exercise it are John Quncy Adam's "virtuous people."

Libertarians and "conservatives" do tend to define "virtue" somewhat differently though.

[Squantos]

LMAO !......wow a clear moment of thought. Who'd a thought it would come from that direction.

.... Don't squash it maybe it'll run back into it's crevice and infest the rest of la cucaracha's no one seems to be able to get rid of here....

[muir_redwoods]

"Well no. Following Machiavelli, it is prudent to seek a reputation for honesty, but not prudent to be always honest."

As I said, I don't think any virtue can stand alone and I said nothing about always being honest, I would agree that at times it is better to hold one's own counsel. I do think an honest man's prudence is more valuable than a dishonest man's but that's a matter of personal preference.

BTW, I draw little guidence from Macchiavelli. He's good to read, I suppose but vacant in terms of a real understanding of life, IMHO.

[shekkian]

You also weren't a conservative in the 70's if you didn't oppose elimination of lead in gasoline.

I was in grade school back then.

[bayourod]

That's not a good enough excuse.

[Czar]

ROTFLMAO...

[Eaker]

Coming from the Lying King that is quite funny!!