February Selection

A few reflection over at The American Conservative:

• Scott Galupo on American conservatism and Calhoun
• Andrew J. Bacevich on counterculture conservatism
• Patrick J. Buchanan's reflections on the papal resignation

LewRockwell.com recently reran an article by Dr. David Gordon on the lack of arguments for democracy. Apparently, we don't need to parody the democratists. They manage almost perfectly themselves. This really is a candidate for “you cannot make this up” file.

The Mad Monarchist gives his thoughts on monarchy and “Tories.” Same blogger also pulls out a quote from Count Joseph de Maistre:

Man is insatiable for power, he is infantile in his desires and, always discontented with what he has, loves only what he had not. People complain of the despotism of princes; they ought to complain of the despotism of man.

Also a quote from Alexander Hamilton:

If government is in the hands of the few, they will tyrannize the many; if in the hands of the many, they will tyrannize over the few. It ought to be in the hands of both, and be separated…they will need a mutual check. This check is a monarch.

The Mad Monarchist also reflects on the downfall of the Kingdom of Madagascar, which happened 116 years ago today. Royal World marks a Prussian tricentennial and a Russian quadricentennial.

Over at The Spectator, writer John Gray says (H/T: Foseti):

The idea that humans are by nature free is one of the most harmful fictions that’s ever been promoted anywhere.

Finally, Ad Orientem has some humor.