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The natural exrtension of the paleo-conservative mindset is a ruling elite.

Moreover it is a ruling elite based on class, not ability.

This is anathma to American principles.

France is governed by a ruling elite, the European union is governed by a ruling elite; that should be enough said.

The proof is in the pudding: paleos seem to be more than a little too comfortable with the idea of fascist dictators such a Francisco Franco for my peace of mind.

The natural exrtension of the paleo-conservative mindset is a ruling elite. Moreover it is a ruling elite based on class, not ability. This is anathma to American principles.

Oh, my. Are you pulling my leg? You believe there is no ruling elite?Or if there is, it is not based on class? All of politics is about making "our" would be ruling elite replace the existing one, or about keeping "our" ruling elite in it's position. And of course "as a class".

paleos seem to be more than a little too comfortable with the idea of fascist dictators such a Francisco Franco for my peace of mind.

I certainly have my differences with "paleo" dogma, and I also have my differences with "neo" dogma. I tend to pick and choose on my own rather than subscribe to a particular laundry list.

What you say about paleos may or may not be true. Regardless, that doesn't mean they are wrong on everything. I work with them just fine on the idea of sealing the border for instance. I do just fine with them on the idea of local control and limited government and property rights.

However I am pretty much on the "neo" side of things when it comes to foreign policy and other constitutional federal responsibilities.

I think most conservatives are like me in the fact that they choose sides on an issue by issue basis. We must be careful about letting two dogmatic groups divide us into dogmatic categories where we must subscribe to the whole list of issue positions or be an object of derision.

That fight can continue as long as it stays a fight between a couple of little minority groups slugging it out over dogma. But if we all get seduced into choosing sides and fighting with one another then its just not good for anybody except Daschle and Co.

The natural extension of the paleo-conservative mindset is a ruling elite.

Moreover it is a ruling elite based on class, not ability.

I don't see that. First, all countries are governed by ruling elites. Secondly the neo-cons are very much an elite and aspire to rule as one. Thirdly, there's much emphasis among the paleos on decentralizing power and bringing it back to local levels. Finally, it's hard to know just who to take as representatives of either neo-conservatism or paleo-conservatism. Those who present themselves as ideological leaders, naturally want to run things.

I would hope that America would reject the self-appointed leaders of both groups. Too often the paleo intellectuals show themselves to be foolish and obnoxious, the neo intellectuals to be ambitious and power hungry. In the end, the paleos are wrong about the Declaration of Independence and human rights. But there is much to be said for the paleos criticism of the neo-faction. Arguing against basic freedoms -- if that's what the paleos are doing -- is wrong, but it's sometimes necessary and praiseworthy to point out how the rhetoric of freedom can be used to increase domination and control.

One thing that should be noted is the neocons using some of the more obnoxious paleo statements to attack those who disagree with themon specific policy questions. More here.