Conservatives (was: Open Source Values [off-topic])

[Garrett Goebel]

csappenfield at kc dot rr dot com wrote:
> 
> While it might be comforting (especially after the trouncing
> in the recent elections) to think of conservatives in general
> as jackbooted nitwits who love "hierarchy and authority", it
> probably just isn't true.  For example, conservatives worship
> free markets, which are nothing if not "anarchy, lawlessness,
> [and] chaos".
>
> Conservatives also like property rights.  Free software comes
> with enormous property rights, in exchange for which we give
> up some methods to profit from those rights.  Free software
> allows cooperation, but doesn't force it- installing Linux on
> your computer doesn't make you a member of some commune,
> regardless of what Forbes would have you believe.
>
> Business conservatism, rather than political conservatism, is
> what really opposes Free software.


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:

http://www.kirkcenter.org/kirk/thought.html
>
> Ten Conservative Principles (1993)
> 
> First, the conservative believes that there exists an enduring
> moral order. 
> 
> Second, the conservative adheres to custom, convention, and
> continuity. 
> 
> Third, conservatives believe in what may be called the principle
> of prescription. 
> 
> Fourth, conservatives are guided by their principle of prudence. 
> 
> Fifth, conservatives pay attention to the principle of variety. 
> 
> Sixth, conservatives are chastened by their principle of
> imperfectability. 
> 
> Seventh, conservatives are persuaded that freedom and property
> are closely linked. 
> 
> Eighth, conservatives uphold voluntary community, quite as they
> oppose involuntary collectivism. 
> 
> Ninth, the conservative perceives the need for prudent restraints
> upon power and upon human passions. 
> 
> Tenth, the thinking conservative understands that permanence and
> change must be recognized and reconciled in a vigorous society.   


--
Garrett Goebel
IS Development Specialist

ScriptPro                   Direct: 913.403.5261
5828 Reeds Road               Main: 913.384.1008
Mission, KS 66202              Fax: 913.384.2180
www.scriptpro.com          garrett at scriptpro dot com
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