From Zocalo, how does direct democracy work? The first chapter from Democratic Governance by Mark Bevir. Mark Satin on the 50 most significant modern and contemporary political ideologies. From America, a review of Conscience and the Common Good: Reclaiming the Space Between Person and State by Robert K. Vischer. Paleo moment: A review of Bringing America Home: How America Lost Her Way and How We Can Find Our Way Back by Tom Pauken. Abortion is not simply a cause of our civilizational decline; it is a symptom, first and foremost, of the increasing destruction of Christianity from within. American conservatives right now do not seem to realize that we are in the immediate post-Dunkirk phase of a desired political recovery. Showdown at the GOP Corral: Western conservatives and Southern conservatives battle for the soul of the Republican Party. From Chronicles, William Murchison on the gay-parenting vogue (and more at Salon on the gay baby boom); and for people allergic to leftist sentimentality, these past few months have been difficult: We are especially prone to legislative hysteria when children are involved. Jessica Valenti on the fake feminism of Sarah Palin. Robert Perkinson om how the GOP became the White Man's Party. Barack Obama upped African American voter turnout and inspired a new generation of African American candidates; he also helped activate white Americans motivated by racial animosity in their civic lives. Is the GOP's point man for recruiting black candidates hiding a fake Ph.D. and a violent past? Party of No: How Republicans and the Right have tried to thwart all social progress. It’s not a Tea Party, silly, it’s a rebellion. No Country for Straw Men: Liberal fascism isn't at hand, but good luck convincing conservatives of that.
