The Conservative Soul
I would not consider myself a conservative in any sense of the word, but I do recognise that conservatism is an important and coherent (at least as coherent as socialism and social democracy) political philosophy. I support the Euston Manifesto's attempt to build bridges with certain conservative groups over the war on Islamic fascism and the threat it poses to both our political traditions. Any attempt by moderate conservatives to rescue their philosophy from the religious fundementalists in America has my full support.
One of these principled persons is the blogger and public intellectual Andrew Sullivan. He has a new book out entitled The Conservative Soul.
Andrew discusses his new book in this talk at the Cato Institute in Washington. David Brooks, columnist at the New York Times, provides a cogent and piercing critique of his thesis, which Sullivan deals with ably and eloquently. An excellent discussion. More of this type, which creates more light than it does heat, are sorely needed in our politics.
-posted by Adam
