After decades of degrading propaganda from people like Biden, the Clintons, and the Obamas, thoughtless and feckless Americans are confused. Many of them appear to believe, seriously, that the right to kill babies is saving the lives of millions of women.
The words nationalism and patriotism are often confused, and even when political theorists draw a contrast, the result is often a distinction without a difference or a bizarre twist of meaning that defies everyday usage. The modern concept of nationalism (just like the concept of internationalism) took shape during the French Revolution, which implemented Rousseau’s theory of the general will and continued the process of centralization inaugurated by the monarchy. According to 19th century nationalists, the will of the nation, defined as an historic community of blood and tongue, had to find expression in a common and unified state. ...
Campion was a practicing physician and was among the finest song-writers of the elizabethan-Jacobean era. He was both a poet and a composer, who in later years was known primarily as a music theorist. The first poem is a song loosely based on a Horatian ode. The second is a translation from Catullus. I have provided links to Lumiarium.com for recordings.
John Manifold was an Australian poet who fought in the European theater during World War II. I read the first long ago in an anthology, and it has always served to remind me that fine and vigorous formal verse could still be written in the middle of the 20th century. It is a pity that he is not read more outside of Australia, where is or was something of a hero.
The discussion of human rights limps along on the Forum: Political theories are often too abstract–too etherial to stand fast in the high winds of everyday life. Let us turn to some everyday topics where human rights might be invoked. I’ll put a simple one on the table, and others, I hope, will up the ante. Once upon a time it was assumed that parents were obligated to provide for their children’s education, either by teaching them at home, paying for the private schools they sent them to, or, by the later 19th century in some parts of the US,...
Boris Johnson may be the next Prime Minister of the UK. I wish I hated Britain, because if I did, Boris’s elevation would be a reason for drinking in the morning.
Alabama defies Hollywood–but will it make a difference?
Herder approached the nations of the world much as a radical environmentalist today regards endangered species. Each nation is precious because it reflects some quality within the human type, and when an imperial nation eliminates another nation, it is committing a crime against humanity.
Even in principle, America’s pseudo-democracy is the worst form of government.
