Russel Kirk is considered the key figure in paleoconservative thought, with his book The Conservative Mind the handbook. Kirk developed six “canons” of conservatism:

1. A belief in a transcendent order, which Kirk described variously as based in tradition, divine revelation, or natural law.
2. An affection for the “variety and mystery” of human existence;
3. A conviction that society requires orders and classes that emphasize “natural distinctions;”
4. A belief that property and freedom are closely linked;
5. A faith in custom, convention and prescription, and
6. A recognition that innovation must be tied to existing traditions and customs, which is a respect for the political value of prudence.

My struggle… I disagree with the large government and lack of libertarian concern of neoconservativism. On the other hand, I don’t see how paleoconservatives address fighting Islamic fascism or a world changing with globalization and developing technology.

Furthermore, does our loss of cultural identify and personal responsibility drive the growth of national government? Or is it the other way around; does growing national government create a society without identity or personal responsibility?

And I just wanted to watch baseball this afternoon.