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Entry: Right From the Beginning Link: http://www.takimag.com/blogs/article/right_from_the_beginning#22792 Post contents: @Richard: Interesting biographical comments; I am curious how many others who read this list have somewhat similar backgrounds. I would agree with you and Paul on the need for reformulation, and perhaps more importantly, re-examination, of our postulates. The one thing I would not be so quick to appear to junk, if you will, is appeals to "fantastical" Medieval Catholicism or "the Confederacy or some pre-industrial communal past." Those who usually make such appeals--and I may be a good example--are usually quite aware that the past, as past, cannot be re-created. But the lessons, the knowledge, and in some (perhaps many) cases, the structures and outlook of the past can oftimes be utilized and restored. While I'm sure that John Zmirak and I would dearly love to see the Habsburgs rule again from Vienna (and Budapest and Zagreb), I am equally certain that we both are realists about the chances of such a restoration any time soon, certainly given the political climate in the EU. Still, restoration of the Habssburgs in itself, considered as such, is not a bad IDEA at all, given the history and culture produced under Habsburg rule. And the teachings of the Church are "above" history, as such. The Church's teachings on political theory, the relation of the sovereign to the people, the duties of kings (or rulers) to subjects, the absolute necesssity of all nations and peoples to (freely) acknowledge the Kingship of Our Lord and implement His teachings in society, these teachings have not changed in nearly 2000 years. While no one suggests we attempt to "re-create" the Middle ages, we certainly can learn from them, and from the teachings of the Church which stretch back way beyond the High Meideval period. So, while my efforts are directed to more mundane affairs, and issues like illegal immigration, or preserving our Constitution, there is nothing wrong--indeed, there is everything "right"--with a defense of the Habsburgs and their approach to governance and nationality, for instance, or an adherence to the immemorial teachings of the Church on the duties of the state in society. And who knows what the future may bring? Likewise, and even more close to home, as an active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, I fully recognize that the South (and North Carolina) that I was raised in has radically changed. But there is still a southern heritage worth defending, and many traditions, customs, and mores that NEED to be preserved. As to those who still work for Southern independence, well, again, who knows what the future may hold in this litically-correct, wretched nation we now call home? Who knows if in 10 or 20 years the US of A will not break up into a "nuevo Mexico" writ large in the Southwest, a "New Confederacy" in the Old South, and other regionalist incarnations? It is easy right now to cast off such ideas as "fantastical" or the wasting of good effort. But are they really? And how then do we decide? History is full of upturned apple carts, to paraphrase Bernard Shaw. Oh, and by the way, you say that you studied 19th century Central European music. I did as well, mostly Bruckner, and a few others. I continue to be a member of The Wilhelm Furtwangler Society and a Brucknerian. Just curious about your studies.... Sent at: 2008 10 13