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The Deep and Discomforting Point of Populism (and Socialism, and Certain...

Over the weekend, a friend of mine shared an article which had joined in the Hillary Clinton-Bernie Sanders fight, a fight which may come...

Two Plus Cheers For Small Houses

In the past two generations, the average house size has nearly doubled, while family sizes have decreased. Chris Wiley, a frequent contributor here, tells...

Does Food Policy Matter? A Review of Small Farm Republic

Folks reading this site might, and there is a minority of the public that spends the time and money to grow produce or seek out good, local farms. But most people only really think about food when they can’t get it or when the grocery bill increases. A big reason we have the system we do is that the majority of the populace prefers cheap, convenient, processed food.

Still Singin’

That this country boasts something called “The Great American Songbook” is one of the best jokes around. The Great American Songbook? Our songs—let alone...

Off the Beaten Path with County Highway

County Highway is not county-specific. It’s for all of America outside major cities. Well, outside of New York and Los Angeles, for sure. In the second issue, there’s a piece about unions in Las Vegas. Another “outsider” voice comes from Miami, though he travels to Puerto Rico. It’s “the rest of America,” but it’s not necessarily rural America, despite the squirrel recipe.

Perseverance and Grace: Or, Why I Don’t Deserve a Damn Bit...

I’ve found that in perplexing or challenging circumstances, “why?” is a boring question. We like why. The leadership guru Simon Sinek asks us to start with why. It’s a popular question. I’m not against finding your why. I just think it’s overrated. Particularly in suffering or pain, I’m not sure “why?” works.

Alienated Children and Inalienable Rights

We describe the most fundamental principles of American politics in terms of “rights.” According to the Declaration of Independence, which constitutes the philosophical foundation...

Localist Roundup: Horse-Drawn Carriages and Portable Churches

This article reports on the continuing saga of legal challenges to NSA data collection. In other court news, as the Affordable Care Act goes...

Standing Athwart History Crying, “Me Too!”

The GOP strategists once again react to getting clobbered by calling for an embrace of their (alleged) opponents' policies.  After all, if only Romney...

McCarthy on conservatism and the post-Boomer generations

Must-read stuff this morning from Dan McCarthy at the The American Conservative. Dan argues that the Gen X and the Millennial generations are not necessarily...