Regime Change?
I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, but the Open Source radio channel on Odeo apparently discusses recent statements by two important thinkers in Western political science, Francis Fukuyama and Niall Ferguson.
In particular, the write-up describes their growing disappointment with American neo-conservative leaders and their inability to deliver on a grand vision that both Fukuyama and Ferguson once promoted, in their own ways.
On a kinda related topic, Jim Wallis wrote on Sojourners the other day (free registration required) about the dwindling influence of the American Religious Right in our society. The article was less tight and readable than his headline, but the point he is making, while not original, is valid.
Both of these topics are related in a few ways. First, the neo-conservative movement in America was largely powered and supported by Americans who also make up the Religious Right. Without getting into all of the inconsistencies inherent in their philosophies (”pro-lifers” who support the death penalty and bombing raids) , on a larger scale it seems to represent a shift away from a top-down approach to managing the world in a way that works for the interests of the few. Where it will lead us is difficult to predict, but I’d like to think we have the opportunity, as believers, to return to our roots, and to our true mission.
March 24th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
Interesting. i don’t know what to say. I could write a rant but that’s not constructive. Ultimately what defines the current neo-con agenda seems to be corporate greed and dissolution of civil liberties. But that’s enough for now.
p
March 24th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Of all the gigantic, record breaking beaurcracies born and bred during W’s tenor in the White House, you’d think his faith-based iniative would have gone somewhere, maybe as a nod to the religious conservatives that worked so hard to get out the vote in 2000 and especially 2004. Instead, we got an explosion in federal education spending (liberals don’t even defend it) and medicare, among others. Ugh.
Some of the discontent from the right you point out is definitely valid, well, at least from a non neo-con conservative Christian, like myself. ; )
March 24th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
Hi Terrence -
It’s curious that you don’t list this war as a major source of uncontrolled spending in this Administration. Old school conservatives certainly do.
March 24th, 2006 at 7:45 pm
Hi Ray,
Funny you say that, I thought about mentioning it but decided against it. In general, I believe national defense and war expenditures, when necessary, are of the utmost importance. Of course, in the case of war, it must be for the right reasons.
At the end of the day, I guess I’m undecided about the Iraq War. It’s certainly no WWII in terms of domestic unified support and the reasons for being there were controversial then and now. On the other hand, I’d like to believe that the potential for long term gains there is great, such as a healthy Arab democracy in the Middle East. Admittedly, this is optimistic thinking.
But can and should the US invade any tyrannical despot when it feels like it in the name of democracy and freedom for an oppressed people? There is no shortage of ruthless dictatorships in the world, after all.
The answer is no. We cannot be the world’s policemen. We cannot afford it, firstly, and permanent change needs to come within, secondly.
So, to sum up, I’m hoping for the best in Iraq while acknowledging that it’s a sticky situation, both in the lead up and currently during our efforts to bring about democracy and freedom. I didn’t mention it in my previous comment because in the general sense I think war expenditures are necessary, but unsure if this is a necessary war. I really am hoping for the best in Iraq, though, now that we’re there and I figure there are plenty of others who are doing a good job of pointing out the problems with the war.
Hope that makes sense!
March 24th, 2006 at 8:28 pm
It makes sense, and it’s nice to see some consistency and an understanding of what real conservativism is. I don’t agree, but I understand what you’re saying.
I still disagree about Medicare and Education - I wish we didn’t have to be taxed for those, but there is nothing in our interpretation of capitalism or in our highly individualized “value system” of personal gain that would ensure that those things were taken care of otherwise.
The church has abandoned that role as well. Tocqueville, in his “Memoir on Pauperism” said as much 200 years ago.
March 24th, 2006 at 8:32 pm
Terrence,
Amen. Well said. Any war can go anyway when you are in the middle of it. Let’s pray for positive outcomes that thread deep into the Middle East and back here in the states too.
-Nate
March 24th, 2006 at 9:04 pm
Ray,
Yes, the Church has a lot of catching up to do. I think that was the point of your original post and I agree 100%. You know how strongly I feel about the Church stepping in and the government stepping out.
Nate,
I’m with you and praying for the best possible outcome in Iraq. It would have to start and end with God’s grace!
March 25th, 2006 at 2:22 am
This is what makes me a progressive. I think both should do what they can. The problems of poverty, healthcare and education are too big for the church in its current state to handle. Progressives and liberals have been decrying Bush’s education spending from the beginning. I guess that’s it for now.
p