“Conservatives aren’t more ‘moral’ after all.” Such claims, though, misunderstand a basic underpinning of conservative philosophy: human beings become civilized not through the absence of sin but the conscious struggle with sin. Sin is bad; but the true offense is sin in the absence of guilt—an indifference to the notion that there are moral boundaries even worth recognizing. Conservatism is usually most politically successful in religiously orthodox precincts where anxiety over the modern-day collapse of visible moral boundaries is most evident. That Americans sin a lot so we can’t hope for them to vote conservatively is a new claim.”

WTF? So, we just have to be aware we’re sinners, struggle with it, not actually quit sinning or anything actually difficult, and everything’s cool? Now I remember why I ran from this party as fast as I could.

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That was a very interesting article containing several layers of meaning. Often modern journalists must speak in code as to not offend splinter constituencies. These splitting and weakening of the right wing movement is a direct result of the triangulation of the current administration. I assert that Barak Obama is a political genius of the first magnitude. He has brought my country back from the brink almost single-handedly by astute politicking. I say right here, right now “The Man is a Genius”.

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As an atheist Libertarian and supporter of gun rights, I find the use of catchphrases like “gun-toting” quite annoying, to say nothing of how patronizing, condescending and divisive it is.  I don’t hold the Project responsible for Newsweek’s use of this term… but perhaps I expected the Project’s contributors to do more than simply ape the blatantly cheap attention-grabbing headline word-for-word.

I’m surely making a big deal out of a small one; it’s just something that gets my dander up.  I don’t like being lumped in with Palin and her right-wing constituents.  I passionately dislike her for how she hypocritically flaunts her religiousness and clings blindly to the oppressive social norms of the far right despite the obvious fact that CLAIMING moral superiority has jack-all to do with ACTUALLY BEING moral or ethical.  I don’t like her energy and environmental policies and I am appalled that such a green, inexperienced politician had the gall to pass herself off as a viable candidate for VP.

I happen to agree with her that American citizens have the right to arm themselves — and that’s where our similarities end.  By lumping gun supporters in with right wing kooks you’re doing yourself a disservice, I think.

wrt the article, it was quite well-written despite the contemptuous headline.  I see the fracturing and disarray of the Republican party as a good thing for America, but in the same token, I see the solidification and machination of the Democratic party as dangerous.  I suppose the rise & fall of the various parties is more or less cyclical… but of late it seems like the proverbial “peaks and valleys” are becoming ever-more pronounced.  I suppose the ever-rising popularity of the Libertarian party (and other 3rd parties) is indicative of how disenfranchised Americans are beginning to feel.

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I agree with Jambe about the use of the term “gun-toting” in the Newsweek title.  And this, despite the fact that I am a liberal, an agnostic, and someone who is generally pro-gun control.  This is a disengenuous way to argue, just as it is to use the term “activist judge” or “liberal elite.” 

However, once you get past the article’s title, the rest of it comes off as responsible and measured.

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Thanks, Matt.  I just get annoyed when people make condescending blanket statements.  I’m all for rigorous debate over the practicality of gun ownership and control so long as whoever’s engaging me (directly or indirectly) isn’t doing so in a patronizing manner, y’know?

*cringe* Just noticed, I should’ve said, “... and divisive they are” instead of “it is”.  The OCD grammarian in me is going nuts.

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I’m trying to find my political identity. I’m torn between the arguments for fiscal conservatism and supporting certain social programs. I consider myself an independent, but probably lean left.

With that said, I’m alarmed at the state of the Republican party, especially the sudden rise of Sarah Palin, whose supporters seem to admire her lack of intellect, knowledge and political skill.

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