Conservatives

David Brooks on Modern Conservatism

l3wis February 25, 2025 3Comments

While I think Conservatism is backwards and hurting our nation and a DEAD political movement, Brooks has another take on it. While I disagree with him on conservative principles, he is very measured. The irony of his short speech is it could have easily been made by a liberal. When he quoted James Baldwin at the end that is all I needed to know about a guy who struggles with his political leanings;

This debate between Baldwin and Buckley is worth the watch, Baldwin destroys Buckley and Conservatism, it is so brilliant, I often tell fellow progressives if you are feeling down about your political leanings just watch this debate, you will feeling better in a matter of minutes.

One of the more interesting moments was when Baldwin quoted JFK saying we will have a black president in 40 years (2005). Pretty crazy that Obama was inaugurated in 2008, only 3 years after the prediction. I think Baldwin said it best, ‘I guess a black man as president is not good enough until 40 years from now.’

Fighting off a boycott and scrambling for a headliner, the biggest annual conservative gathering takes place this week. Six things to watch at CPAC (H/T – Helga)

l3wis February 10, 2011 12Comments

The right descends on Washington this week, as thousands of activists pour into the nation’s capital to attend the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. It’s a heady time—with Republicans having seized control of the House, closed the gap with Democrats in the Senate, and now gearing up for a chance to reclaim the White House in 2012. But all is not well at the old-line American Conservative Union, which throws the annual party.

The organization is embroiled in an embezzlement scandal. Fellow travelers are boycotting the whole affair because CPAC’s big tent allowed a gay Republican group inside. With one day left before kickoff, no headliner had been chosen. And longtime leader David Keene is said to be leaving the group after the conference.

So amid the turmoil, what’s a political junkie to look for at this year’s three-day orgy of ideas? An endless stream of 2012 presidential wannabes will preen for adoring fans and plentiful cameras. Donald Rumsfeld will be hailed as a conquering hero. A host of new conservative leaders will be welcomed to the club. And if that weren’t enough to whet your appetite, Pat Boone will be on hand, too!

An open letter to conservatives (H/T – TPM & AG)

l3wis March 29, 2010 24Comments

This about sums it up;

Dear Conservative Americans,

The years have not been kind to you. I grew up in a profoundly Republican home, so I can remember when you wore a very different face than the one we see now.  You’ve lost me and you’ve lost most of America.  Because I believe having responsible choices is important to democracy, I’d like to give you some advice and an invitation.

First, the invitation:  Come back to us.

Now the advice.  You’re going to have to come up with a platform that isn’t built on a foundation of cowardice: fear of people with colors, religions, cultures and sex lives that differ from your own; fear of reform in banking, health care, energy; fantasy fears of America being transformed into an Islamic nation, into social/commun/fasc-ism, into a disarmed populace put in internment camps; and more.  But you have work to do even before you take on that task.

READ MORE HERE.