First Principles

In search of the Unified Theory of Conservatism

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Entries from May 2009

An Inclusive Definition of “Conservative”

May 31st, 2009 · Comments Off on An Inclusive Definition of “Conservative”

I like this take from Big Hollywood blogger Leigh Scott: There are really only two core beliefs that you need to be considered a Conservative in my book.  One, as I’ve stated before, is the conviction that personal liberty is paramount.  Two, you don’t look to your enemies for validation. But while I agree with […]

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Tags: Principles

The Conservative Case for Confirming Sotomayor

May 29th, 2009 · Comments Off on The Conservative Case for Confirming Sotomayor

Don’t misread me here – I think Obama’s first SCOTUS nomination is horrid.  But since it was no secret that the President was going to nominate an ultra-liberal jurist whose thread of fidelity to the Constitution and the law will be severed at the first inconvenience or policy disagreement, this particular judge’s flaws provides us […]

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Tags: Judges · Lawyers and the Law

The Liberal Disconnect on Judges

May 26th, 2009 · 1 Comment

Note:  I wrote most of this before President Obama announced his Sotomayor nomination.  Stand by for more on that in the coming days. A friend of mine from law school recently posted this article from The Gawker on Facebook.  Ordinarily, my friend, although I usually disagree with him, posts interesting and thought provoking links.  Alas, […]

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Tags: Constitutional Law · Judges · Lawyers and the Law · Liberals · Principles

Quote of the Day

May 24th, 2009 · 2 Comments

“If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.” – Thomas Paine

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Tags: Life · Quotes of the Day

How Not To Be a New Big Law Firm Associate in a Bad Economy

May 20th, 2009 · 2 Comments

This E-mail thread is too damn funny not to share.  The short version is that the law firm in question had just won a years-old case defending the Washington Redskins against a claim of “disparagement.”  A partner sent out an E-mail applauding the firm’s win, and a junior junior junior associate decided to offer a […]

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Tags: Lawyers and the Law · Silliness

California’s Warning to Republicans (And the Country as a Whole)

May 20th, 2009 · 1 Comment

Six years ago, the Democratic governor had overspent and over-borrowed and overextended entitlements in his State, and predictably, had broken the back of its finances.  In the resulting circus of a recall election (which I admit being very excited about) complete with porn stars and midgets, only one serious candidate emerged who proposed conservative solutions […]

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Tags: Economy · Republicans

Party Purity

May 19th, 2009 · 1 Comment

Recent events such as the defection of Arlen Specter has amplified the calls of (mostly liberals) for the Republicans to move left if they want to remain relevant.  The argument goes that Republicans have shifted hard right since the Big Tent days of Reagan, and are now seeking to purge anyone from their ranks who […]

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Tags: Republicans