Jonah Goldberg is surely right here:
[P]opulism is a useful and healthy passion when aimed at the liberal elite. But conservatives can get drunk on it when they proclaim that elites are bad simply because they are elites. Conservatives respect authority — the authority of ideas, traditions, morals, religion, customs, reason, law, excellence and so on. One cannot believe in this kind of authority while having a blanket hostility to elitism in any form.
Well, mostly right. Populism can be a useful and healthy passion when aimed at the conservative elites when they've lost touch with right principles (this accounts for the rise of Newt Gingrich in the House way back when).
But the general point he's making is correct, and necessary. To be a conservative is to implicitly endorse some form of elitism, versus egalitarianism. Conservatives (I among them) blew our tops over the Harriet Miers nomination because a Supreme Court justice has to have a first-rate mind, and has to be able to decide complex legal questions that have enormous ramifications. Having a good heart and the right moral instincts is not enough. But the presidency is a different thing. Ronald Reagan was nobody's idea of an intellectual, but he did have the right instincts, and believed (strongly) the right things. I would never, ever have wanted Reagan on the Supreme Court, but thank God he was our president. Similarly, it's wonderful to have Antonin Scalia as a Supreme Court justice, but I don't think he has the gifts to be a good president.
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I like that last thought there Sheilagh, though instead of "worthy", I think of it as "unconditional love". The Sr. Pauline in my head reminds me that none of us are "worthy" of salvation on our merits, but in unconditional love for us (the power of unconditional love when felt for even a moment!), God gives life, forgiveness, a path to salvation and the ability to reflect His love back by letting Him live and act in us.
Jim:
Right. My voice from 'voice' says "We are only made worthy by the Cross of Christ."
I like yours better. Unconditional love. Amen. :)
Ugh editing error. Should be My 'voice' from CCD says . . .
Hey, this just in . . .
It's better than I thought about McCain!!! And I was just guessing.
This is from the campaign email.
"Today, Rasmussen Reports released new polling from New Hampshire showing John McCain now statistically tied with Mitt Romney for the lead. As you know, this is a remarkable comeback and support for Sen. McCain continues to surge. "
Tied with Romney!!! If you're a campaign watcher, Pay attention to this one. :)
mik:
A rare (very rare) time I can agree with you 110%.
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