[dinoparty]

Trying to be balanced ... I think the differences between neoconservatives and paleoconservatives are as follows:

1. Paleocons believe in God; Neocons believe that belief in God is healthy for the nation

2. Paleocons believe that our rights are truly God-given; neocons believe that it is good that our rights are SAID TO BE God-given

3. Paleocons believe that the world is a difficult place so foreign policy needs to be openly cynical and self-interested; Neocons believe that the best foreign policy depends on both being cunning and tough, but in the service of openly-declared democratic ideals (i.e. cynicism is a self-fulfiulling prophecy).

4. Paleocons believe that private property rights are ends in themselves; neocons believe that property rights are important because they facilitate the functioning of a moderate democratic polity

[Poe White Trash]

By your definition, Thomas Jefferson would be a quintessential Paleocon! Which would be a big surprise to the Paleocons I’ve read, since they tend to denigrate the significance of Jefferson and the importance of the Declaration.

[firebrand]

Paleocons make an ideological mantra out of “avoid foreign entanglements.” Neocons read it in context and in the context of the times in which it was said: avoid foreign entanglements that would interfere with commerce and keep our new nation from becoming prosperous.

[Clemenza]

Dino, you sound like someone who knows your Leo Strauss.