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<TITLE>Conservatives (was: Open Source Values [off-topic])</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>csappenfield at kc dot rr dot com wrote:</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> While it might be comforting (especially after the trouncing</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> in the recent elections) to think of conservatives in general</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> as jackbooted nitwits who love "hierarchy and authority", it</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> probably just isn't true. For example, conservatives worship</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> free markets, which are nothing if not "anarchy, lawlessness,</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> [and] chaos".</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>></FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Conservatives also like property rights. Free software comes</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> with enormous property rights, in exchange for which we give</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> up some methods to profit from those rights. Free software</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> allows cooperation, but doesn't force it- installing Linux on</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> your computer doesn't make you a member of some commune,</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> regardless of what Forbes would have you believe.</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>></FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Business conservatism, rather than political conservatism, is</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> what really opposes Free software.</FONT>
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<BR>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>Let's set the record straight. Here are the core canon's of the ideological ax grinding conservative, from the man (Russell Kirk) who coined the term in the first place:</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="http://www.kirkcenter.org/kirk/thought.html" TARGET="_blank">http://www.kirkcenter.org/kirk/thought.html</A></FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>></FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Ten Conservative Principles (1993)</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> First, the conservative believes that there exists an enduring</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> moral order. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Second, the conservative adheres to custom, convention, and</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> continuity. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Third, conservatives believe in what may be called the principle</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> of prescription. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Fourth, conservatives are guided by their principle of prudence. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Fifth, conservatives pay attention to the principle of variety. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Sixth, conservatives are chastened by their principle of</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> imperfectability. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Seventh, conservatives are persuaded that freedom and property</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> are closely linked. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Eighth, conservatives uphold voluntary community, quite as they</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> oppose involuntary collectivism. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Ninth, the conservative perceives the need for prudent restraints</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> upon power and upon human passions. </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> Tenth, the thinking conservative understands that permanence and</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>> change must be recognized and reconciled in a vigorous society. </FONT>
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<BR>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>--</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Garrett Goebel</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>IS Development Specialist</FONT>
</P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2>ScriptPro Direct: 913.403.5261</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>5828 Reeds Road Main: 913.384.1008</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>Mission, KS 66202 Fax: 913.384.2180</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2>www.scriptpro.com garrett at scriptpro dot com</FONT>
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