The John Adams Society

Gregory F.E.C Wersal

Chairman

Melvin R. Welch

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Josh Regnier

Chancellor

APRIL 2012

Fascism should [] be called corporatism because it is the merger of the state and corporate power.

~Anonymous

Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

                                        ~Lord Acton

TOO BIG TO FAIL! The industrial-governmental complex: the Leviathan in which the poor and rich seek refuge from that tempestuous torrent of “creative destruction” that is risk.  What an unholy spawn the marriage has born: an alliance which impedes competitive dynamism, legislates bias for antiquated business, and enacts social policy through quid pro quo.  Over 1300 Federal agencies exist to regulate business and manage private property for solicitous beneficiaries, kindly relocating American families forcefully. Yet we’re told we live and breathe in a free market, even as our Supreme magistrates decide what products we are made to buy?

How have conservatives recently addressed the rise of corporatism? President George W. Bush overrode Congressional concerns and directed billions of dollars for bailouts and stimulus to corporations “too big to fail.” Mitt Romney: the touted conservative candidate, who extols the government-corporate marriage; he who created this healthcare scenario, forcing Teetotalers to knock back a pint so he can prove his willingness to genuflect at the corporate alter. We have planned economies created behind closed doors by corporations writing the laws and penalties for the proletariat's failure to comply. Conservatives have failed and our freedom has fallen.

ON THE OTHER HAND, where has conservatism failed to contest these emanations of subordination? When did our enlightened principles of individual autonomy birth the Platonic hierarchical stratification of the people, the fascist regimenting of industry, or American tripartism? It didn’t. Conservatism recognizes the imperfectability of humanity and its reliance on reason, convention and restraint as sureties against the encroachment of power, thus making it the natural ally of corporations by protecting property.  Property: that immediate, tangible demarcation assuring the sovereignty of each in his own. And what is a corporation but an assembly of individuals with like interests? That the imaginative find it an easy target for subverting an imperfect market for greater regulatory control is no fault of conservatism.

THE CHAIRMAN, considering joining AFSME against his will, has called a debate to settle the question.

RESOLVED: Conservatism is Corporatism.

The Debate will be held on Wednesday April 18, 2012, at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encourage to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures of about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 701-9623 or the Secretary at (612) 220-7586.