“If a majority are capable of preferring their own private interest, or that of their families, counties, and party, to that of the nation collectively, some provision must be made in the constitution, in favor of justice, to compel all to respect the common right, the public good, the universal law, in preference to all private and partial considerations.” This was written in 1787 by John Adams, who conservative intellectual Russell Kirk declared the most legitimate conservative thinker among the Founding Fathers. Guarding against the dangers of raw, unchecked individualism, the government can and must compel its citizens to protect the common good. In the Federalist Papers, James Madison wrote, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” In a nation—in our nation—the whole point is to balance individual self-interest with the common good. - Sally Kohn
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 15:07:09 +0000
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