by Russell Kirk
Great states with good constitutions develop when most people think of their duties and restrain their appetites. Great states sink toward their dissolution when most people think of their privileges and indulge their appetites freely.
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We have a great appreciation for the thought of Russell Kirk, T.S. Eliot, Irving Babbitt, and Christopher Dawson, among other imaginative conservatives. However, some of us look at the state of Western culture and the American Republic and see a huge dark cloud which seems ready to unleash a storm that may well wash away what we most treasure of our inherited ways. Others focus on the silver lining which may be found in the next generation of traditional conservatives who have been inspired by Dr. Kirk and his like. We hope that The Imaginative Conservative answers T.S. Eliot’s call to “redeem the time, redeem the dream.”
Years ago when the word government was used most Americans thought of *self-government*
I hope you will allow me to share this short quote from RJ Rushdoony which applies to the Quote of the Day and the current downslide of our fine Republic ~
We have never had a more top-down culture than for about 1500 years, than since Rome fell. Rome fell because it confused simplicity with efficiency. They simplified the state and centralized more and more as if that were the answer. The more they centralized, the more they destroyed the fabric of society. We are following the Roman pattern. We are centralizing as though that were the answer and we are destroying the pattern of society.
Now as Christians we believe that the basic starting point is the regeneration of man. Then man takes and applies that faith. For Christians the basic government is the self-government of the Christian man. Then the basic governmental unit is the family. This means that every father and mother will be more important in the sight of God than heads of state, because He controls children, property and the future. Then the third is the church as the government, fourth the school as a government, fifth your job governs you, then sixth society governs you with its ideas, beliefs and standards, and seventh, one among many forms of government, is the civil government.
I like your quote of the day & the part, "…when most people think of their duties…" I've said it all along…that people always seem to know their 'rights' but never talk about their responsibilities.
Here is my recent favorite quote, “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace. “ Thomas Paine
As I watch riots in Wisconson & the economy about to crash, this may become more realistic.
In fact, just read a new book that everyone needs to read cause it's about Americans taking a stand. I recommend it.
http://www.booksbyoliver.com
Yes, basic governmental unit is the family, but our govt. has abolished this institution. The times are ah changing.