All posts by bradbirzer

By day, I'm a father of seven and husband of one. By night, I'm an author, a biographer, and a prog rocker. Interests: Rush, progressive rock, cultural criticisms, the Rocky Mountains, individual liberty, history, hiking, and science fiction.
Faith, History, Politics

The Rise of Viktor Orbán, Right-Wing Populist ~ The Imaginative Conservative

To secular and leftist Europeans, Hungary’s Fundamental Law came as a shock. The preamble set the tone—it is the opening line of the Hungarian National Hymn (anthem): “God, bless the Hungarians.” That was already too much for The Guardian. A writer for that left-wing British newspaper noted that the new constitution’s “preamble is heavily influenced by the Christian faith and commits Hungary to a whole new set of values, such as family, nation, fidelity, faith, love and labour.” It was enough to point this out: further criticism would apparently have been superfluous.
— Read on theimaginativeconservative.org/2018/11/viktor-orban-hungarian-resistance-lee-congdon.html

I consider myself an anti nationalist, but I found this article absolutely fascinating–BB.

Faith, History

Harmony and Order: Giving Thanks ~ The Imaginative Conservative

Of course, I do not want or desire to conflate that which is sacred with that which is profane. The Sabbath does not exist for the right of association. Yet, as we pause and reflect on the many great and grand blessings bestowed upon us as Americans, we would be foolish to ignore the tradition of self-governance, of community building, and of the right to association. Once again, it is healthy to remember what we should cherish. Plato, after all, told us we must love what should be loved and hate what should be hated. In rough times, we too readily remember the hate part but forget the love part. As you celebrate your time with your family, eat turkey and mashed potatoes, and watch, for the 1000th time, Home Alone, don’t forget to give thanks—to all of those who came before us and, especially, to He who created us in His image to know, to serve, and to love Him.
— Read on theimaginativeconservative.org/2018/11/harmony-order-thanksgiving-bradley-birzer.html

Philosophy, Politics

Mises on Liberalism and Nationalism

An excellent article from my former colleague, Richard Ebeling.

Richard Ebeling

https://www.aier.org/article/ludwig-von-mises-liberalism-nationalism-and-self-determination?fbclid=IwAR0nDD7qk2izqkS7Jr3ZiJ1w97QZ4IGzlBBgrYSVniiNTJI9-g6XBmtHP_s

Republic of Letters

The Coming Bankruptcy of the American Empire | The American Conservative

I had the chance (privilege) to meet Hunter a year or so ago. He’s a truly fine young man with a great career ahead of him.

The Coming Bankruptcy of the American Empire | The American Conservative
— Read on www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/the-coming-bankruptcy-of-the-american-empire/

Politics

Why Facebook’s Long Reign May Be Coming to an End – Foundation for Economic Education

1 Comment

Sears and Blockbuster fell because neither was able to adapt and grow with its consumer base. Facebook has routinely gone against the wishes and needs of its users and is just now starting to face the consequences.
— Read on fee.org/articles/not-too-big-to-fail-why-facebooks-long-reign-may-be-coming-to-an-end/

Spirit of Cecilia note: This is an excellent article. Indeed, one of the best I’ve seen on the issue. I don’t know Brittany Hunter, but I look forward to reading everything else she writes.