|
|
|
|
CATEGORY: POLITICS (4 MIN)
Today, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off in the first presidential debate of the general election season. Many Americans are expecting a poor overall debate performance (especially from their political opponents’ candidate). But before either Biden or Trump speaks tonight, their teams will have put hours and hours of preparation into the performance, seeking to amplify strengths and cover up weaknesses.
For the New York Times, Ross Douthat discusses the latter—the weak spots he perceives at the heart of each candidate’s campaign. Douthat thinks some flaws have been underappreciated by the media but could have a large effect on election results. He calls these “secondary weaknesses.”
On Biden’s end, Douthat says that foreign policy hampers the incumbent’s efforts. He points to the rise of issues around the world: the Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the general weakness of the U.S. on the world stage. He also mentions the “disastrous” method by which the Biden administration withdrew from Afghanistan.
On the other hand, Douthat says Trump’s proposed 10 percent tariff on imports could hurt his campaign. Whether it ultimately helps America or not, Douthat believes the “immediate costs” of such a move might hurt the American middle class, which is already economically dissatisfied. Douthat argues it could be an easy target for Democratic criticism.
Read Douthat’s piece here with our NYT guest link.
|
Weekly Poll
Do you plan to watch the first 2024 presidential debate?
[A] Yes, the whole thing
[B] Yes, but probably only part
[C] No
[D] I haven’t decided
RESULTS: 6/20/24
Are you aware of Juneteenth?
[A] Yes - 88%
[B] No - 6.7%
[C] Maybe - 5.3%
|
CATEGORY: POLITICS (18 MIN)
Despite his many victories over the Roman Empire, the great Carthaginian general Hannibal was never able to seize his enemies’ capital. It’s said that one of his lieutenants once told him, “You know how to win a victory, Hannibal, but not how to use it.”
Longed-for successes often bring uncertain futures. The conservative movement faces such a challenge two years after Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women Health Organization finally overturned Roe v. Wade. This month, First Things ran a symposium highlighting several conservatives’ thoughts on political strategy for the pro-life movement after Dobbs.
Al Mohler and Robert P. George call out politicians who have shown their inability—or refusal—to continue the pro-life mission in the public square. Carl Trueman discusses the rise of pro-abortion advocates, the war for America’s hearts and minds, and the weaknesses in pro-life strategy. Profs. Adeline Allen and Carter Snead push for a renewed effort to reach the ordinary American with a loving pro-life message.
Ryan T. Anderson writes on the difficult balance in creating pro-life laws that accomplish the moral mission but don’t ignore political reality. And Mollie Hemingway and Marjorie Dannenfelser urge a combination of confidence and compassion to address the current age. Together, these writers (and more) touch on countless aspects of the 2024 abortion debate.
Read their thoughts here.
|
|
CATEGORY: VIDEO
Join us for a captivating lecture by Aaron Renn as he explores ten essential aspects of authentic masculinity.
In this thought-provoking discussion, Aaron delves into the multifaceted dimensions of manhood, addressing critical topics such as identity, mission, agency, virtue, knowledge, wisdom, fraternity, family, suffering, and legacy. Drawing from a wealth of experience and insight, Aaron offers a compelling exploration of what it means to embody these qualities as a man in today's society.
Discover the significance of embracing a strong sense of identity and purpose, understanding the importance of virtue and wisdom in shaping character, and cultivating meaningful relationships within the context of fraternity and family. Aaron also reflects on the role of suffering and the legacy we leave behind, highlighting the enduring principles that define true masculinity.
Don't miss this enlightening lecture that challenges conventional norms and inspires a deeper understanding of masculinity rooted in timeless values. Join us as ISI presents a holistic perspective on the tenets that define and enrich the journey of manhood in the modern world.
|
|
ISI's Annual
Homecoming Weekend
Join ISI on September 20-21, 2024, for a garden party that’ll welcome students, professors, alumni, and friends of ISI from across the country.
Every year, we host ISI’s annual Homecoming festivities right on our 20-acre campus tucked away into a bucolic pocket of Wilmington, DE. Our Homecoming sets the tone for the new school year and is an opportunity to celebrate and network with our impressive community of students, teachers, alumni, and professionals from a variety of backgrounds.
Official Homecoming Schedule:
Friday, September 20 (6:30 pm – 11 pm)
Guests will gather at ISI’s campus for a reception, bonfire, and open house
Saturday, September 21
Guests will gather at ISI's Campus for an 8:00 am breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 am: Reagan and Nixon Revisited
10:30 am: The Democratization of American Christianity
Top 20 under 30 Awards Ceremony
12:00 – 1:15 pm: God and Man at Yale 2024
1:15 pm: Lunch and festivities begin
Reserve your ticket>>>
|
|
|
Because our student editors and writers are bravely bringing conservative ideas to their campuses, we’re highlighting their efforts here.
Stanford’s Censorship: A Culture of Censorship via The Stanford Review
“On March 9th, 2023, Kyle Duncan, a judge appointed by President Trump to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, was scheduled to give a talk at Stanford Law School. The event was disrupted by student protesters due to Judge Duncan’s rulings, which they viewed as hostile to LGBT rights. Many criticized this response as an assault on free speech, particularly considering that Stanford Law School’s Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was explicitly hostile to Judge Duncan, claiming that his work “has caused harm” to “many
people here.”
Ithaca Adopts Reduced School Budget via The Cornell Review
“On Tuesday, June 18, the City of Ithaca voted to adopt a reduced school budget and a reduced plan to purchase new vehicles. Previously, on May 21, Ithaca witnessed an unprecedented taxpayer revolt where the initial budget was voted down by a two-to-one margin and three spending critics were elected to the Ithaca school board. The voters adopted a reduced budget that would cut 48 positions and would increase total school spending by 2.8% instead of the 6.5% increase rejected in May. The schools believe that they can achieve the reduction through attrition and what Superintendent Luvelle Brown described as a “hiring chill” on filling some new positions.”
Perfect Lawns, Troubled Minds: Analyzing the Mental Health Crisis Among University Students and How Can It Be Improved via The Michigan Review
“In the bustling halls of universities across America, the mental health crisis among college-aged students is rapidly unraveling into a harsh and somber reality. As one walks through the perfectly manicured lawns and walkways and sits in the grand and historic lecture halls, attempting to engage in the lecture material they know will be crucial for passing the class, it’s easy to forget the turbulent undercurrents shackling many college-aged students. Despite the vibrant atmosphere, filled with the hum of intellectual pursuit and social engagement, there lies a growing epidemic of debilitating anxiety, depression, and overwhelming stress. This crisis, frequently unnoticed and quietly endured, has become one of the biggest
concerns in higher education today.” |
|
CATEGORY: CONSERVATISM (25 MIN)
Presidential debates have made a big impact on the modern American order. But before the days of Kennedy v. Nixon and Trump v. Biden, the Western tradition took its shape from debates among thinkers. The greatest philosophers and writers of their time often interacted with their contemporaries, helping give intellectual movements substantial depth.
For this week’s article from the Modern Age website, we review a piece by Russell Kirk from 1981. Kirk analyzed three luminaries: Edmund Burke, Adam Smith, and Samuel Johnson, all of whom lived in England at the same time. Kirk started by discussing the importance of Burke’s thoughts on moral and social order. Wryly admitting he had written “probably too much” about Burke, Kirk emphasized Burke’s focus on practical politics and cultural custom.
Kirk then touched on the interaction between economist Adam Smith and Burke. Smith, Kirk said, founds Burke’s economical beliefs close to his own. Kirk believed Smith to be more “individualist” than Burke, but they were likely friendly. Kirk revealed that Burke and Samuel Johnson, noted playwright and author, had a very close relationship. All together, Kirk argued these three men had a tremendous impact.
“All were pillars of what Burke called ‘this world of reason, and order, and peace, and virtue, and fruitful penitence;’ all knew how men and nations may make choices that cast them ‘into the antagonist world of madness, discord, vice, confusion, and unavailing sorrow,’” Kirk wrote.
Read his entire article here on the Modern Age website.
|
Thought of the Day:
"In all countries where there is tolerable security, every man of common understanding will endeavor to employ whatever stock he can command in procuring either present enjoyment or future profit."
- Adam Smith
|
Join ISI’s new Alumni Giving Club
It’s never been easier for you to support our mission—and stay part of our community—with ISI’s new Alumni Giving Club!
For just $19.53 a month, you can join the fight and “pay it forward” by educating the next generation for ordered liberty.
|
|
