"Green Thomism," Danny Kruger and the conservative future

A civil society communitarianism rooted in traditional American republicanism would be ideal. That is something the Japanese model lacks.

I have heard my professors put forth the idea that our constitutional system was intended to address both the liberal concerns of Constant (respect for individual freedom) and the civic concerns of traditional politics (engaged republicanism, or, perhaps, your communitarianism) through the federal system. Of course, the civil war and the 14th amendment transformed our political system, but it might be a goal for the future. At the federal level far removed from people and accountability, we could have a minimalist, libertarian regime, while at the local level, we could try a more competent version of "compassionate conservatism," with the State level midway between the two. You could see hown a winning political coalition could be built with a return to federalist principles. Goldberg and others have been preaching this for years.

Also, before reading this post, I had never before heard of Ryan Streeter. I looked him up -- this man should run for some high office. He is the total package -- he is smart, educated, an intellectual with creative solutions, an accomplished executive, and, honestly, quite a handsome fellow. Like it or not, looks matter to an electorate that cannot get to know each candidate personally. Palin and Streeter would show that politics is not necessarily Hollywood for ugly people.

For now, though . . . Jindal ‘12!

"Green Thomism" -- what a hoot!! The very possibility crosses the line from intellectual imagination to complete fabrication. How one will (ab)use Aquinas to get this should be amusing.

A clarification. Peter Maurin didn't say we ought to work for a society in which it is "easy for people to be good" but rather for a society in which is is "easier for a people to be good." It will never be easy to be good, as Peter Maurin would have been the first to point out. I know you agree, as is made clear in the last sentence of the Maurin paragraph. (Actually Peter said "easier for men to be good," but these days the meaning of "men" has narrowed.)

Jim Forest
http://incommunion.org/forest-flier/

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