Saturday, August 06, 2011
Liberalism as a Christian heresy
Reading Aquinas's treatment of the relationship of the Old Law to the New, I was thinking of the movement to punish hate crimes and police "thoughts" (or desires). Is this a trace of secular pelagianism, attempting to bring about the New Law (of Christ) without grace? (And of course, without God as the end.) The attempt to cleanse interior actions through human law alone? What utopianism. (The implementation of a utopian fantasy leads to totalitarianism.) And what a wicked and perverse desire to displace God, both as the ultimate end and as the Font of Mercy.
"Conservative White Males"
I added the following to this post.
Sarge was filling up the gas tank for Bridge's truck, and I made fun of him because he wasn't removing the pump nozzle correctly from the gas tank. (I had pointed out the sign on the gas pump on a previous trip to a gas station and showed him the technique.) He acknowledged that he wasn't doing it correctly in front of Bridge, who dismissed it as "stupid green ----." Such is the repulsion many feel to contemporary environmentalism. The dismissal of environmental measures is more emotional than rational, and may rest on fallacious reasoning. It should be clear such an emotional response precipitously causing an embrace of fallacy is wrong-headed, but who is to blame for the repulsion? After all, many environmentalists are confrontational and hostile to their fellow citizens and their culture, and have a perceived anti-human attitude. Even if they do not denigrate mankind, their advocacy of "animal rights" may have that practical effect. There is no sense of solidarity -- they embrace a form of [identity] tribalism as much as those they disparage.
Bridge, like many CWMs loves the outdoors but also embraces the age of fossil fuels. Conservatives should know that conservation is part of conservatism. The virtue of prudence requires an acknowledgment of limits, especially of resources, careful stewardship, and restraint. It is unfortunate that many are not true conservatives and embrace a consumerism reliant upon cheap energy, but this is true of many environmentalists as well, as they push for the development of alternate energy sources that will enable them to maintain their current lifestyle.
Those who think they are in the right with regards to climate change should know that an appeal to self as authority is still a fallacy, no matter how much they believe themselves to be experts on the topic. Obviously, appealing to the authority of experts is fallacious as well, and referring opponents to the "data" or "papers" that are available online does nothing to advance the discussion at hand. They should be able to present the arguments themselves, and if they cannot, then they should have the humility to realize that their case is not so obvious or certain,.
A better understanding of CWMs on the part of environmentalists is necessary, to the point that they can identify with them. Only in that way can they breach the emotional barrier and being persuading them. This is true of any divide that is caused by emotion or trauma, and Christians should remember this as well when they evangelize. But I believe it is unlikely that environmentalists "on the left" will be able to do this, as they are steadfast in their opposition to what they think conservatives represent, and it is not just this moral issue that separates the two groups. Pride is a problem for everyone. Perhaps the best chance for converting CWMs to a form of environmentalism lies with Christians who live a theology of "stewardship."
Sarge was filling up the gas tank for Bridge's truck, and I made fun of him because he wasn't removing the pump nozzle correctly from the gas tank. (I had pointed out the sign on the gas pump on a previous trip to a gas station and showed him the technique.) He acknowledged that he wasn't doing it correctly in front of Bridge, who dismissed it as "stupid green ----." Such is the repulsion many feel to contemporary environmentalism. The dismissal of environmental measures is more emotional than rational, and may rest on fallacious reasoning. It should be clear such an emotional response precipitously causing an embrace of fallacy is wrong-headed, but who is to blame for the repulsion? After all, many environmentalists are confrontational and hostile to their fellow citizens and their culture, and have a perceived anti-human attitude. Even if they do not denigrate mankind, their advocacy of "animal rights" may have that practical effect. There is no sense of solidarity -- they embrace a form of [identity] tribalism as much as those they disparage.
Bridge, like many CWMs loves the outdoors but also embraces the age of fossil fuels. Conservatives should know that conservation is part of conservatism. The virtue of prudence requires an acknowledgment of limits, especially of resources, careful stewardship, and restraint. It is unfortunate that many are not true conservatives and embrace a consumerism reliant upon cheap energy, but this is true of many environmentalists as well, as they push for the development of alternate energy sources that will enable them to maintain their current lifestyle.
Those who think they are in the right with regards to climate change should know that an appeal to self as authority is still a fallacy, no matter how much they believe themselves to be experts on the topic. Obviously, appealing to the authority of experts is fallacious as well, and referring opponents to the "data" or "papers" that are available online does nothing to advance the discussion at hand. They should be able to present the arguments themselves, and if they cannot, then they should have the humility to realize that their case is not so obvious or certain,.
A better understanding of CWMs on the part of environmentalists is necessary, to the point that they can identify with them. Only in that way can they breach the emotional barrier and being persuading them. This is true of any divide that is caused by emotion or trauma, and Christians should remember this as well when they evangelize. But I believe it is unlikely that environmentalists "on the left" will be able to do this, as they are steadfast in their opposition to what they think conservatives represent, and it is not just this moral issue that separates the two groups. Pride is a problem for everyone. Perhaps the best chance for converting CWMs to a form of environmentalism lies with Christians who live a theology of "stewardship."
On Paleo "Communities"
Begun on July 12 at 8:37 P.M.
In a previous post I linked to a piece describing how the author formed a paleo/primal community. What would unite people? A common interest in health and fitness, in particular the paleo lifestyle. What would such a friendship be like? I would suspect the more important things in life (e.g. religion) are just ignored or brought up, unless perchance a bunch of paleo enthusiasts who are like-minded in other areas meet. Religion may not be necessary for some friendships, but if we are talking about the health of society at large, it is important.
For men, friendship is usually lived or expressed through common pursuits, such as physical activities and sports. Having common activities may suffice for passing most of the time together, but it isn't enough. The conversation naturally turns to other topics. "Compartmentalizing" both in one's personal life and with regards to the people with whom he spends time is easy in a community that is too big, but it involves the risk that the higher pursuits will be ignored or diminished in favor of other things, depending upon the friends with whom one associates most often. With too many friends, there is a potential for over-extension and "dilution" -- one will probably end up having a core group. Which friends will comprise that core group? It's not necessarily one's priorities alone that will determine this, but one must also take into account who is free and available.
As friends are united by what they share, they should share pursuit of the ultimate end in common. Physical health is subordinate to spiritual health. It is true that in this country, food has become a political issue, as well as health and fitness, because of the political economy and government regulations and "recommendations." But even without these problems, they would be political in so far as they are ordered to the proper exercise of citizenship, and a citizenship should be concerned about these goods.
Those who follow the paleo/primal lifestyle are more likely to be free-thinkers or libertarians; one has to be to a certain extent to reject the Establishment's dogma regarding nutrition and exercise. In addition, there are also plenty of locavores seeking organic produce and better selection of meats. Some are engaged in a post-Christian search for "spirituality"; others are content being agnostics or atheists.
Are there enough Christians interested in paleo to form their own groups? Certainly there are many who are interested in learning about alternative views about nutrition and fitness and many support local farms and buy grass-fed meat as well, but they may be wary of adopting the evolutionary theory used to explain why the paleo diet works or taking such a radical step as to adopt some version of the paleo lifestyle. Christians and VFFs?
P.S. There is a local meetup group for Paleo, and another for MovNat.
Related links:
Adam Farrah's blog: Raw Meat on Paleo and Paleo Spirituality
FB page for his new book
Leangains Guide
Fast Paleo
Note: Today is the Ancestral Health Symposium. Wish I could be there. Spocom Anaheim is this weekend too. Free the Animal.
In a previous post I linked to a piece describing how the author formed a paleo/primal community. What would unite people? A common interest in health and fitness, in particular the paleo lifestyle. What would such a friendship be like? I would suspect the more important things in life (e.g. religion) are just ignored or brought up, unless perchance a bunch of paleo enthusiasts who are like-minded in other areas meet. Religion may not be necessary for some friendships, but if we are talking about the health of society at large, it is important.
For men, friendship is usually lived or expressed through common pursuits, such as physical activities and sports. Having common activities may suffice for passing most of the time together, but it isn't enough. The conversation naturally turns to other topics. "Compartmentalizing" both in one's personal life and with regards to the people with whom he spends time is easy in a community that is too big, but it involves the risk that the higher pursuits will be ignored or diminished in favor of other things, depending upon the friends with whom one associates most often. With too many friends, there is a potential for over-extension and "dilution" -- one will probably end up having a core group. Which friends will comprise that core group? It's not necessarily one's priorities alone that will determine this, but one must also take into account who is free and available.
As friends are united by what they share, they should share pursuit of the ultimate end in common. Physical health is subordinate to spiritual health. It is true that in this country, food has become a political issue, as well as health and fitness, because of the political economy and government regulations and "recommendations." But even without these problems, they would be political in so far as they are ordered to the proper exercise of citizenship, and a citizenship should be concerned about these goods.
Those who follow the paleo/primal lifestyle are more likely to be free-thinkers or libertarians; one has to be to a certain extent to reject the Establishment's dogma regarding nutrition and exercise. In addition, there are also plenty of locavores seeking organic produce and better selection of meats. Some are engaged in a post-Christian search for "spirituality"; others are content being agnostics or atheists.
Are there enough Christians interested in paleo to form their own groups? Certainly there are many who are interested in learning about alternative views about nutrition and fitness and many support local farms and buy grass-fed meat as well, but they may be wary of adopting the evolutionary theory used to explain why the paleo diet works or taking such a radical step as to adopt some version of the paleo lifestyle. Christians and VFFs?
P.S. There is a local meetup group for Paleo, and another for MovNat.
Related links:
Adam Farrah's blog: Raw Meat on Paleo and Paleo Spirituality
FB page for his new book
Leangains Guide
Fast Paleo
Note: Today is the Ancestral Health Symposium. Wish I could be there. Spocom Anaheim is this weekend too. Free the Animal.
The Cult of Rothbard...
I think I saw links on Facebook to this piece by Christopher Ferrara, but I didn't read it until last night: The Apotheosis of McDonald’s. (A response to this piece by Jeffrey Tucker praising McDonald's. Someone needs to come up with a clever mockery of the corporation's name.)
(More from Mr. Ferrara in the Fury in the Cult of Rothbard)
(More from Mr. Ferrara in the Fury in the Cult of Rothbard)
Friday, August 05, 2011
Ides of March trailer
website
I think if George Clooney's name appeared in polls he might actually garner a big percentage of the votes. What do you think?
Banking and the Confederacy
Banking and the Confederacy
“Graybacks”: A Forgotten Example of State Credit
by K. R. Bolton
I have no way to evaluate this piece, but thought it could be informative.
“Graybacks”: A Forgotten Example of State Credit
by K. R. Bolton
I have no way to evaluate this piece, but thought it could be informative.
Moleskine has a online store in the US
announcement
Might be cheaper just to go to B&N, if the stores still carry the notebooks. What about Amazon?
Might be cheaper just to go to B&N, if the stores still carry the notebooks. What about Amazon?
Items of Interest, 5 August 2011
Nick Turse, A Secret War in 120 Countries
Lewis McCray, A Nation Derailed
If Super Congress has final authority on legislation, it is Unconstitutional
Dr. Gutzman on Super Congress & Alabama Immigration Law
The Deindustrialization of America by John R. MacArthur
The Folly of Bourgeois Sustainable Food
If You Eat, You Need to Know: 5 Facts About the Farm Bill
Philip Zimbardo: The demise of guys?
Lewis McCray, A Nation Derailed
If Super Congress has final authority on legislation, it is Unconstitutional
Dr. Gutzman on Super Congress & Alabama Immigration Law
The Deindustrialization of America by John R. MacArthur
The Folly of Bourgeois Sustainable Food
If You Eat, You Need to Know: 5 Facts About the Farm Bill
Philip Zimbardo: The demise of guys?
Some good responses to this man in the comments section.
Fides et Familia
Dilsaver's essays on patriarchy that appeared in Christian Order are now available online. (Thanks to DC.)
What do you do with self-righteous white liberals?
Grist: How do you solve a problem like conservative white men?
Sarge was filling up the gas tank for Bridge's truck, and I made fun of him because he wasn't removing the pump nozzle correctly from the gas tank. (I had pointed out the sign on the gas pump on a previous trip to a gas station and showed him the technique.) He acknowledged that he wasn't doing it correctly in front of Bridge, who dismissed it as "stupid green ----." Such is the repulsion many feel to contemporary environmentalism. The dismissal of environmental measures is more emotional than rational, and may rest on fallacious reasoning. It should be clear such an emotional response precipitously causing an embrace of fallacy is wrong-headed, but who is to blame for the repulsion? After all, many environmentalists are confrontational and hostile to their fellow citizens and their culture, and have a perceived anti-human attitude. Even if they do not denigrate mankind, their advocacy of "animal rights" may have that practical effect. There is no sense of solidarity -- they embrace a form of [identity] tribalism as much as those they disparage.
Bridge, like many CWMs loves the outdoors but also embraces the age of fossil fuels. Conservatives should know that conservation is part of conservatism. The virtue of prudence requires an acknowledgment of limits, especially of resources, careful stewardship, and restraint. It is unfortunate that many are not true conservatives and embrace a consumerism reliant upon cheap energy, but this is true of many environmentalists as well, as they push for the development of alternate energy sources that will enable them to maintain their current lifestyle.
Those who think they are in the right with regards to climate change should know that an appeal to self as authority is still a fallacy, no matter how much they believe themselves to be experts on the topic. Obviously, appealing to the authority of experts is fallacious as well, and referring opponents to the "data" or "papers" that are available online does nothing to advance the discussion at hand. They should be able to present the arguments themselves, and if they cannot, then they should have the humility to realize that their case is not so obvious or certain,.
A better understanding of CWMs on the part of environmentalists is necessary, to the point that they can identify with them. Only in that way can they breach the emotional barrier and being persuading them. This is true of any divide that is caused by emotion or trauma, and Christians should remember this as well when they evangelize. But I believe it is unlikely that environmentalists "on the left" will be able to do this, as they are steadfast in their opposition to what they think conservatives represent, and it is not just this moral issue that separates the two groups. Pride is a problem for everyone. Perhaps the best chance for converting CWMs to a form of environmentalism lies with Christians who live a theology of "stewardship."
Sarge was filling up the gas tank for Bridge's truck, and I made fun of him because he wasn't removing the pump nozzle correctly from the gas tank. (I had pointed out the sign on the gas pump on a previous trip to a gas station and showed him the technique.) He acknowledged that he wasn't doing it correctly in front of Bridge, who dismissed it as "stupid green ----." Such is the repulsion many feel to contemporary environmentalism. The dismissal of environmental measures is more emotional than rational, and may rest on fallacious reasoning. It should be clear such an emotional response precipitously causing an embrace of fallacy is wrong-headed, but who is to blame for the repulsion? After all, many environmentalists are confrontational and hostile to their fellow citizens and their culture, and have a perceived anti-human attitude. Even if they do not denigrate mankind, their advocacy of "animal rights" may have that practical effect. There is no sense of solidarity -- they embrace a form of [identity] tribalism as much as those they disparage.
Bridge, like many CWMs loves the outdoors but also embraces the age of fossil fuels. Conservatives should know that conservation is part of conservatism. The virtue of prudence requires an acknowledgment of limits, especially of resources, careful stewardship, and restraint. It is unfortunate that many are not true conservatives and embrace a consumerism reliant upon cheap energy, but this is true of many environmentalists as well, as they push for the development of alternate energy sources that will enable them to maintain their current lifestyle.
Those who think they are in the right with regards to climate change should know that an appeal to self as authority is still a fallacy, no matter how much they believe themselves to be experts on the topic. Obviously, appealing to the authority of experts is fallacious as well, and referring opponents to the "data" or "papers" that are available online does nothing to advance the discussion at hand. They should be able to present the arguments themselves, and if they cannot, then they should have the humility to realize that their case is not so obvious or certain,.
A better understanding of CWMs on the part of environmentalists is necessary, to the point that they can identify with them. Only in that way can they breach the emotional barrier and being persuading them. This is true of any divide that is caused by emotion or trauma, and Christians should remember this as well when they evangelize. But I believe it is unlikely that environmentalists "on the left" will be able to do this, as they are steadfast in their opposition to what they think conservatives represent, and it is not just this moral issue that separates the two groups. Pride is a problem for everyone. Perhaps the best chance for converting CWMs to a form of environmentalism lies with Christians who live a theology of "stewardship."
CSPAN: In Depth with David Hackett Fischer
From 2004:
Liberty and Freedom A Visual History of America's Founding Ideas David Hackett Fischer Google Books
Liberty and Freedom A Visual History of America's Founding Ideas David Hackett Fischer Google Books
Steve Sailer thinks The Guard is a funny movie. The movie, from the trailer, didn't seem that humorous to me, but I wouldn't mind a good laugh. Alas, it is playing at CineArts at Santana Row.
(Empire)
Apple trailer
Don Cheadle interview
(Empire)
Apple trailer
Don Cheadle interview
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Blog fatigue
Lately I have not been perusing the blogs I had been regularly checking a year ago. With changes in opinions and interests there is a corresponding change in the blogs I frequent. Five years ago I will still look at some neocon blogs from time to time. That has practically ceased, with one exception. Still, the number of blogs I look at everyday seems to have decreased. Maybe I'm spending too much time on FB. I don't think it is plain boredom, although I do think that there isn't much fresh material appearing these days. Being engrossed with opinions when no concrete plan of action is available can be frustrating. But there is the sense that there is more to life than reading blogs, and the internet commentariat/diarists are in the process of destroying the internet's usefulness through the sheer number of poor blogs. The signal-to-noise ratio is falling. One could be discerning or rely on a few sites, whether they be blogs or alternative media websites, but can they really keep a reader for more than a several years? Rapid turnover of blogs as bloggers reach a new stage in their lives is even more likely.
A learning community would be much better. There are a few study groups around here, but returning to the university environment would be a more suitable option.
A learning community would be much better. There are a few study groups around here, but returning to the university environment would be a more suitable option.
Miss Korea 2011
Waiting for some video to be available; there is this youtube video. Found something else:
Chosun Ilbo: Lee Sung-hye Crowned Miss Korea
Soompi: 2011 Miss Korea Pageant Winner Lee Sung Hae Becomes Hot Topic on the Web
pageant website
Some photos
Missosology
Chosun Ilbo: Lee Sung-hye Crowned Miss Korea
Soompi: 2011 Miss Korea Pageant Winner Lee Sung Hae Becomes Hot Topic on the Web
pageant website
Some photos
Missosology
A comment I left over at Traditional Christianity:
I'm looking for an adjective to describe that apparent elevation that comes with conservation about serious subjects, but all I could think of was "substance."
I need to start reading something other than blogs and magazines, plus review something on grammar and style.
With real people one has to deal with their foibles, quirks, and whatever annoys us. In virtual relationships our interaction is limited to written words, and while it fosters bonds quickly with those who share our beliefs, that sort of "substance" can mislead us as to the depth of our friendships.
I'm looking for an adjective to describe that apparent elevation that comes with conservation about serious subjects, but all I could think of was "substance."
I need to start reading something other than blogs and magazines, plus review something on grammar and style.
Vacation and leisure
Jason Peters, Against Vacation
How about less work hours per week and more communal celebrations of feast days? (True holidays.)
The Simple Living Network
Less Work, More Life
Take Back Your Time
Four Hour Work Week blog
Preservation Institute
ShorterWorkWeek
Shorter Work Time (hasn't been updated for a while)
How about less work hours per week and more communal celebrations of feast days? (True holidays.)
The Simple Living Network
Less Work, More Life
Take Back Your Time
Four Hour Work Week blog
Preservation Institute
ShorterWorkWeek
Shorter Work Time (hasn't been updated for a while)
Corn Pros and Cons by Gene Logsdon (EB)
Fascinatingly enough, this is not the first time in human history that corn has been overdone. From what archeology thinks now not only did excessive corn production bring down the downfall of the ancient Mayans but the Woodland Indians of the Mississippi Valley too. Not only is corn hard on the soil, but a diet heavy in corn is not necessarily healthy. Early mound-building Indians ate too much corn, say archeologists. Late skyscraper-building Americans eat too much corn too, in the form of meat fattened on corn.
But that is not the whole reason I criticize corn sometimes. I am heretical enough to think that it is not really great feed for livestock. My chickens don’t think so. They eat it only grudgingly. They prefer wheat to supplement their bugs and worms in the woods. When I eat corn, at least half of each kernel goes right through me. I have mixed hog manure with water and poured it through a screen and again, the yellow parts of the kernel were still there in the manure. It appears that almost half of the bulk of commercial corn fed to hogs goes right through them undigested. Squirrels regularly raid our corn crib. They eat only the germ out of each kernel and leave the rest. I think corn is like candy. It’s fun and fattening, and produces meat that is fun and fattening too.
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