| From | Intercollegiate Review <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Election, appointment, betrayal |
| Date | December 19, 2024 7:06 PM |
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The best of intellectual conservative thought.
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CATEGORY: PHILOSOPHY (11 MIN)
Class and culture
[link removed]
Some dividing lines among Americans have become more clear over the past few decades: splits on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, foreign intervention, and immigration are often stark. But some other factors are more fundamental and have affected our nation for a long time. Some of the most obvious and influential of these are socio-economic status and educational background.
In Law & Liberty, David Lewis Schaefer discusses these fault lines in the American electorate in the context of the work of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the famous French philosopher. Schaefer specifically cites Rousseau’s criticisms of the scientific and artistic advances of the Enlightenment. Although his writing are complicated, Schaefer says Rousseau legitimately warned of the evils of sophistication.
Rousseau believed that sophisticated individuals would become insincere and unfriendly, damaging certain bonds in society, according to Schaefer. He adds that Rousseau worried that an excess in “luxury” and skepticism would also lead to a decrease in patriotism and the overall health of a nation.
In the same way, Schaefer argues that the modern “fashionable” Americans look down their noses at their less-educated and worse-off compatriots. As celebrities threaten to leave the country and politicians refer to average people as “deplorables” or “garbage,” Schaefer points out the danger of an “enlightened” class—and the backlash that has led to a whole new political movement.
Read his article here.
Read Now
[link removed]
Weekly Poll
Is the American educational system fixable?
[A] Yes
[B] No
[C] It doesn't need fixing
[D] Not sure
[link removed]
RESULTS: 12/12/2024
Do you generally see Assad’s fall as a good thing?
[A] Yes - 43.1%
[B] No - 41.7%
[C] Not sure - 15.3%
[link removed]
CATEGORY: POLITICS (5 MIN)
Red tape tussle
[link removed]
In one of the most widely-noted moves since his election, President-elect Donald Trump announced his appointment of billionaire Elon Musk and businessman / politician Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk and Ramaswamy have promised to streamline government processes and cut fat that has been allowed to develop for far too long.
But can Musk and Ramaswamy actually achieve those goals? Peter Van Buren, writing in The American Conservative, discusses both the opportunities and the difficulties facing the new DOGE pair as they attempt to transform the federal government. Van Buren starts with Musk and Ramaswamy’s plan to cut down the number of federal employees.
The pair have suggested that they could end the tradition of “unofficial lifetime employment,” reward those who leave their jobs, and limit remote work. Van Buren notes that there are wildly differing estimates of how many federal workers are remote—perhaps that itself indicates the poor management of the current system.
Cutting back on the plethora of regulations coming from federal agencies also presents problems for DOGE, Van Buren says. The judicial requirement for notice-and-comment before changing or eliminating rules is one roadblock, and Van Buren adds that agencies may resist this push.
As far as generally cutting spending, Van Buren finds that only 15 percent of the current U.S. budget is “non-defense discretionary,” leaving DOGE with little room to cut. But 15 percent is still quite a bit, and simply investigating the excess would mark a change.
Read Van Buren’s analysis here.
Read Now
[link removed]
[link removed]
CATEGORY: VIDEO
Living Like It Matters: A Conversation with Anna Moreland and Tom Smith
[link removed]
In this thought-provoking episode, host Tom Sarrouf sits down with scholars and educators Dr. Anna Moreland and Dr. Tom Smith to discuss their inspiring new book, The Young Adult Playbook: Living Like It Matters. Aimed at guiding young adults through the challenges of contemporary life, the book combines practical advice with timeless wisdom to help readers navigate life’s biggest questions with purpose and clarity.
Anna and Tom share insights into why they wrote the book, the pressing challenges facing young adults today, and how the principles of faith, reason, and a commitment to the common good can empower emerging leaders. This engaging conversation touches on the role of higher education, the importance of a well-formed conscience, and the joy of living a meaningful life.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or someone searching for guidance in today’s complex world, this episode offers profound lessons on living intentionally and authentically. Tune in to be inspired and equipped to take the next step in your journey toward a life that truly matters.
Watch Now
[link removed]
Because our student editors and writers are bravely bringing conservative ideas to their campuses, we’re highlighting their efforts here.
Only ⅓ of Harvard Faculty Believe Academic Freedom is “Very” or “Completely” Secure, New FIRE Report Finds
[link removed]
via The Harvard Salient
“A new report from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) finds there is a widespread academic culture of “rampant self-censorship, worry, and fear, particularly among faculty in the political minority.” The report, which was released this morning, presented results from a survey of over 6,000 faculty members at 55 major universities, including Harvard. According to the report, the free speech problem is “worse than many realize.” The fragile state of free speech on college campuses, particularly at elite institutions, has already enjoyed substantial attention. For two years running, FIRE has ranked Harvard as the worst college in the country for free speech, and Harvard University’s Open Inquiry and Constructive Dialogue Working Group found that 45% of students are reluctant to speak on controversial topics in the classroom. What is surprising about FIRE’s new research, however, is the extent to which Harvard’s faculty are also affected
by this crisis.”
State Representative Cain re-files bill to establish the District of Austin
[link removed]
via The Texas Horn
“Last month State Representative Briscoe Cain, re-filed a bill to establish the District of Austin. Cain first introduced this bill in 2021, but the bill did not end up passing. The bill was then picked up in 2023 by State Representative Jared Patterson, but it also failed to pass. In a press release published on December 2nd, Cain argued that the City of Austin has failed to effectively govern and provide a safe environment for its residents. Cain also noted the City’s failure to respond to high crime and homicide rates due to progressive policies such as defunding the police as examples of how the City has been ineffective in keeping citizens safe. Additionally, Cain pointed out the City’s insistence on passing “political initiatives rather than investing in infrastructure and public services” as other examples that show how the City of Austin is unable to provide effective governance to its residents.”
Sister J. Anette Dennis: Peace Amidst Uncertainty
[link removed]
via The Cougar Chronicle
"On Tuesday, December 10th, Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave a campus-wide devotional address titled Finding Peace Amidst Uncertainty. Her address, rooted in scripture and personal experience, underscored the transformative power of faith, covenant-keeping, and spiritual preparation. Sister Dennis began by sharing her personal transformation from an introverted child overwhelmed by her first sacrament meeting talk to a confident speaker addressing thousands. She testified, “I am a living example of how the Lord can work with us and prepare us over time for the things we were sent here to do, even when we feel weak and simple and unqualified. I’m still an introvert, but because of the experiences the Lord has given me over the years that drew me out of my comfort zone, I now enjoy speaking assignments, even to large audiences like you.”"
St. Thomas More Fellowship and the Witness of Teachers
[link removed]
via The Torch
"For many young students in the school system of the Archdiocese of Boston, their teacher will be their primary (if not the only, in many cases) encounter with a faithful Christian. For those now growing up, the devotion of that teacher might be almost as much of a decisive factor as their family’s. What kind of teachers does the Archdiocese seek to cultivate, then? Peter Nguyen, Executive Director of the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellows, came to Boston College on Monday, December 2nd to give a vision. Nguyen is an alumnus of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, a former FOCUS missionary at Harvard, and now directs the Fellows and works closely with individual teachers in the Archdiocese. The St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship is a two-year program that trains prospective teachers in Catholic education, supports them with a community of like-minded peers, and places them in Archdiocese schools, which the program itself calls “one of the many
battlegrounds that are vulnerable, yet possess so much potential for healing and transformation.”"
An Elite End: UChicago Women’s Soccer Season Recap
[link removed]
via The Chicago Thinker
"The University of Chicago’s women’s soccer team concluded their season on Sunday, November 24 in the Elite Eight round of the Division III NCAA Tournament. After a hard fought game, they lost 1-0 to the No.1 ranked Washington University in Saint Louis at Francis Olympic Field in St. Louis, MO. The Maroons ended their season with a winning record of 13 wins, 7 losses, and 2 ties. The Maroons’ season began this year with two wins on their biennial trip to California, where they defeated both Chapman University and UC Santa Cruz. After a strong start, they had many ups and downs. Some of the most notable moments of the regular season were their 1-0 defeat against Carnegie Mellon who, at the time, was ranked third in the nation and their 0-0 tie against WashU who was ranked first. They ended their conference championship in 6th place with a 2-4-1 record. "
CATEGORY: CULTURE (20 MIN)
Betrayal of what?
[link removed]
There are few more compelling accusations than a comparison to such individuals as Judas Iscariot or Benedict Arnold. No one wants to be the betrayer. So it means quite a bit when someone refers to an action or position as “treasonous.” Some have done so simply in reference to positions that seem to undercut America’s best interests, but is that fair?
For this week’s article from the Modern Age website, Eric G. Enlow & Joshua P. Hochschild consider the concept of treason, its history, and its position in the modern American political scene. Enlow & Hochschild note treason’s etymological and historical connection with tradition. They say that both ideas go far beyond mere laws and touch the emotional condition of a society. If someone is a “traitor,” he is an outcast due to a community’s “fundamental civil pieties.”
Enlow & Hochschild recognize that the U.S. Constitution “anticipates the danger” of treason, reflecting the intensity with which the Founders viewed the crime. That intensity carried through much of American history. But today, with many community bonds breaking and traditions falling by the wayside, the authors believe it’s unclear what treason means now.
“Can a society speak coherently of severed loyalty and betrayal when it has already systematically separated itself from the gift of inherited community and preserved tradition?” Enlow & Hochschild ask.
What do you think? Read their article here on the Modern Age website.
Read Now
[link removed]
Thought of the Day:
“Repose, leisure, peace, belong among the elements of happiness. If we have not escaped from harried rush, from mad pursuit, from unrest, from the necessity of care, we are not happy.”
- Josef Pieper
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.
Join the Club
[link removed]
Follow on Twitter Friend on Facebook Forward to Friend
Copyright © 2024, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Intercollegiate Studies Institute
3901 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
unsubscribe from all emails
[link removed]
update subscription preferences
[link removed]
Email not displaying correctly?
View it in your browser
[link removed]
.
[link removed]
CATEGORY: PHILOSOPHY (11 MIN)
Class and culture
[link removed]
Some dividing lines among Americans have become more clear over the past few decades: splits on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, foreign intervention, and immigration are often stark. But some other factors are more fundamental and have affected our nation for a long time. Some of the most obvious and influential of these are socio-economic status and educational background.
In Law & Liberty, David Lewis Schaefer discusses these fault lines in the American electorate in the context of the work of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the famous French philosopher. Schaefer specifically cites Rousseau’s criticisms of the scientific and artistic advances of the Enlightenment. Although his writing are complicated, Schaefer says Rousseau legitimately warned of the evils of sophistication.
Rousseau believed that sophisticated individuals would become insincere and unfriendly, damaging certain bonds in society, according to Schaefer. He adds that Rousseau worried that an excess in “luxury” and skepticism would also lead to a decrease in patriotism and the overall health of a nation.
In the same way, Schaefer argues that the modern “fashionable” Americans look down their noses at their less-educated and worse-off compatriots. As celebrities threaten to leave the country and politicians refer to average people as “deplorables” or “garbage,” Schaefer points out the danger of an “enlightened” class—and the backlash that has led to a whole new political movement.
Read his article here.
Read Now
[link removed]
Weekly Poll
Is the American educational system fixable?
[A] Yes
[B] No
[C] It doesn't need fixing
[D] Not sure
[link removed]
RESULTS: 12/12/2024
Do you generally see Assad’s fall as a good thing?
[A] Yes - 43.1%
[B] No - 41.7%
[C] Not sure - 15.3%
[link removed]
CATEGORY: POLITICS (5 MIN)
Red tape tussle
[link removed]
In one of the most widely-noted moves since his election, President-elect Donald Trump announced his appointment of billionaire Elon Musk and businessman / politician Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk and Ramaswamy have promised to streamline government processes and cut fat that has been allowed to develop for far too long.
But can Musk and Ramaswamy actually achieve those goals? Peter Van Buren, writing in The American Conservative, discusses both the opportunities and the difficulties facing the new DOGE pair as they attempt to transform the federal government. Van Buren starts with Musk and Ramaswamy’s plan to cut down the number of federal employees.
The pair have suggested that they could end the tradition of “unofficial lifetime employment,” reward those who leave their jobs, and limit remote work. Van Buren notes that there are wildly differing estimates of how many federal workers are remote—perhaps that itself indicates the poor management of the current system.
Cutting back on the plethora of regulations coming from federal agencies also presents problems for DOGE, Van Buren says. The judicial requirement for notice-and-comment before changing or eliminating rules is one roadblock, and Van Buren adds that agencies may resist this push.
As far as generally cutting spending, Van Buren finds that only 15 percent of the current U.S. budget is “non-defense discretionary,” leaving DOGE with little room to cut. But 15 percent is still quite a bit, and simply investigating the excess would mark a change.
Read Van Buren’s analysis here.
Read Now
[link removed]
[link removed]
CATEGORY: VIDEO
Living Like It Matters: A Conversation with Anna Moreland and Tom Smith
[link removed]
In this thought-provoking episode, host Tom Sarrouf sits down with scholars and educators Dr. Anna Moreland and Dr. Tom Smith to discuss their inspiring new book, The Young Adult Playbook: Living Like It Matters. Aimed at guiding young adults through the challenges of contemporary life, the book combines practical advice with timeless wisdom to help readers navigate life’s biggest questions with purpose and clarity.
Anna and Tom share insights into why they wrote the book, the pressing challenges facing young adults today, and how the principles of faith, reason, and a commitment to the common good can empower emerging leaders. This engaging conversation touches on the role of higher education, the importance of a well-formed conscience, and the joy of living a meaningful life.
Whether you’re a student, educator, or someone searching for guidance in today’s complex world, this episode offers profound lessons on living intentionally and authentically. Tune in to be inspired and equipped to take the next step in your journey toward a life that truly matters.
Watch Now
[link removed]
Because our student editors and writers are bravely bringing conservative ideas to their campuses, we’re highlighting their efforts here.
Only ⅓ of Harvard Faculty Believe Academic Freedom is “Very” or “Completely” Secure, New FIRE Report Finds
[link removed]
via The Harvard Salient
“A new report from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) finds there is a widespread academic culture of “rampant self-censorship, worry, and fear, particularly among faculty in the political minority.” The report, which was released this morning, presented results from a survey of over 6,000 faculty members at 55 major universities, including Harvard. According to the report, the free speech problem is “worse than many realize.” The fragile state of free speech on college campuses, particularly at elite institutions, has already enjoyed substantial attention. For two years running, FIRE has ranked Harvard as the worst college in the country for free speech, and Harvard University’s Open Inquiry and Constructive Dialogue Working Group found that 45% of students are reluctant to speak on controversial topics in the classroom. What is surprising about FIRE’s new research, however, is the extent to which Harvard’s faculty are also affected
by this crisis.”
State Representative Cain re-files bill to establish the District of Austin
[link removed]
via The Texas Horn
“Last month State Representative Briscoe Cain, re-filed a bill to establish the District of Austin. Cain first introduced this bill in 2021, but the bill did not end up passing. The bill was then picked up in 2023 by State Representative Jared Patterson, but it also failed to pass. In a press release published on December 2nd, Cain argued that the City of Austin has failed to effectively govern and provide a safe environment for its residents. Cain also noted the City’s failure to respond to high crime and homicide rates due to progressive policies such as defunding the police as examples of how the City has been ineffective in keeping citizens safe. Additionally, Cain pointed out the City’s insistence on passing “political initiatives rather than investing in infrastructure and public services” as other examples that show how the City of Austin is unable to provide effective governance to its residents.”
Sister J. Anette Dennis: Peace Amidst Uncertainty
[link removed]
via The Cougar Chronicle
"On Tuesday, December 10th, Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave a campus-wide devotional address titled Finding Peace Amidst Uncertainty. Her address, rooted in scripture and personal experience, underscored the transformative power of faith, covenant-keeping, and spiritual preparation. Sister Dennis began by sharing her personal transformation from an introverted child overwhelmed by her first sacrament meeting talk to a confident speaker addressing thousands. She testified, “I am a living example of how the Lord can work with us and prepare us over time for the things we were sent here to do, even when we feel weak and simple and unqualified. I’m still an introvert, but because of the experiences the Lord has given me over the years that drew me out of my comfort zone, I now enjoy speaking assignments, even to large audiences like you.”"
St. Thomas More Fellowship and the Witness of Teachers
[link removed]
via The Torch
"For many young students in the school system of the Archdiocese of Boston, their teacher will be their primary (if not the only, in many cases) encounter with a faithful Christian. For those now growing up, the devotion of that teacher might be almost as much of a decisive factor as their family’s. What kind of teachers does the Archdiocese seek to cultivate, then? Peter Nguyen, Executive Director of the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellows, came to Boston College on Monday, December 2nd to give a vision. Nguyen is an alumnus of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, a former FOCUS missionary at Harvard, and now directs the Fellows and works closely with individual teachers in the Archdiocese. The St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship is a two-year program that trains prospective teachers in Catholic education, supports them with a community of like-minded peers, and places them in Archdiocese schools, which the program itself calls “one of the many
battlegrounds that are vulnerable, yet possess so much potential for healing and transformation.”"
An Elite End: UChicago Women’s Soccer Season Recap
[link removed]
via The Chicago Thinker
"The University of Chicago’s women’s soccer team concluded their season on Sunday, November 24 in the Elite Eight round of the Division III NCAA Tournament. After a hard fought game, they lost 1-0 to the No.1 ranked Washington University in Saint Louis at Francis Olympic Field in St. Louis, MO. The Maroons ended their season with a winning record of 13 wins, 7 losses, and 2 ties. The Maroons’ season began this year with two wins on their biennial trip to California, where they defeated both Chapman University and UC Santa Cruz. After a strong start, they had many ups and downs. Some of the most notable moments of the regular season were their 1-0 defeat against Carnegie Mellon who, at the time, was ranked third in the nation and their 0-0 tie against WashU who was ranked first. They ended their conference championship in 6th place with a 2-4-1 record. "
CATEGORY: CULTURE (20 MIN)
Betrayal of what?
[link removed]
There are few more compelling accusations than a comparison to such individuals as Judas Iscariot or Benedict Arnold. No one wants to be the betrayer. So it means quite a bit when someone refers to an action or position as “treasonous.” Some have done so simply in reference to positions that seem to undercut America’s best interests, but is that fair?
For this week’s article from the Modern Age website, Eric G. Enlow & Joshua P. Hochschild consider the concept of treason, its history, and its position in the modern American political scene. Enlow & Hochschild note treason’s etymological and historical connection with tradition. They say that both ideas go far beyond mere laws and touch the emotional condition of a society. If someone is a “traitor,” he is an outcast due to a community’s “fundamental civil pieties.”
Enlow & Hochschild recognize that the U.S. Constitution “anticipates the danger” of treason, reflecting the intensity with which the Founders viewed the crime. That intensity carried through much of American history. But today, with many community bonds breaking and traditions falling by the wayside, the authors believe it’s unclear what treason means now.
“Can a society speak coherently of severed loyalty and betrayal when it has already systematically separated itself from the gift of inherited community and preserved tradition?” Enlow & Hochschild ask.
What do you think? Read their article here on the Modern Age website.
Read Now
[link removed]
Thought of the Day:
“Repose, leisure, peace, belong among the elements of happiness. If we have not escaped from harried rush, from mad pursuit, from unrest, from the necessity of care, we are not happy.”
- Josef Pieper
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.
Join the Club
[link removed]
Follow on Twitter Friend on Facebook Forward to Friend
Copyright © 2024, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Intercollegiate Studies Institute
3901 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
unsubscribe from all emails
[link removed]
update subscription preferences
[link removed]
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