The Problem with Politics, and its Solution

Plato says that all would be well if only wise men reigned—or if all those who reigned were philosophers.But in the same way that wise men wisely avoid ruling fools, so do fools foolishly refuse to submit to the rule of the wise.And so confusion reigns. William of St. Thierry Beginning from the above premise,

Kingdom Come

Almost a century ago, Pope Pius XI instituted the feast of Christ the King, to be celebrated on the last Sunday of October. Though placed towards the end of the liturgical year, this reminder of our Savior’s regal office was not intended to replace the last Sunday in the Church’s annual cycle, which (like the

Homeland Restoration

Angelo Codevilla asks the vital if perplexing question of how to restore a republic when a sizable portion of its members has no desire to govern itself. In one of his many astute formulations, Codevilla notes that, although the “bipartisan ruling class that controls nearly all our institutions” constitutes a tiny minority of the populace,

Upping the Ante

David Carlin is an old-time Democrat, dismayed by the depths to which his party has sunk. Pining for the days when his coalition of choice was dominated by politicians innocently seeking to channel benefits to supporters, he laments its capture by a band of ideologues more interested in promoting moral license, irreligion, and racial animosity

Seeking New Management

America’s “power elite,” placed at the head of increasingly centralized systems of commerce, culture, and governance, prides itself on fostering a pluralistic attitude, enabling it to rally the various factions dividing our society behind reasonable consensuses on a plethora of issues. How justified is that pride? Consider the resources our diversity-mouthing despots are now squandering

Evaluating our Elites

According to James Madison, the proper task of elected representatives—and by extension, any other body of leaders—is to “refine and enlarge the public views by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of the country and whose patriotism and love of justice will

Not in Our Stars

Several years ago, Carson Holloway published an insightful essay, describing the election of Donald Trump as a (well deserved) slap across the face of America’s governing elites. Holloway’s argument focuses on a series of policy gaffes, stretching back to the presidency of George W. Bush and extending through that of Barack Obama. Together, by 2016,

Pushing the Pendulum

Many Americans have been puzzled in recent months, as solemn-faced newsmen and women minimize and even defend the burning and ransacking of homes and businesses, and other malicious assaults against law abiding citizens. Meanwhile, a handful of weaponless rubes taking selfies in their crimson hats are said to constitute an insurrection, providing an honest-to-goodness justification

What is Political Philosophy?

Philosophy is the love of wisdom. To love something, we must know it. Had our Creator not left the stamp of his own Wisdom upon our soul, we would have no idea wisdom exists, and would be helpless to recognize it even if we happened to stumble upon it. By the same token, no one

All Kings Shall Adore Him

Embarking upon his earthly ministry, Christ is “led by the spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil” (Mt. 4:1). Taking Jesus up “into a very high mountain,” the evil spirit shows him “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them.” “All these I will give thee,” he promises, “if