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The John Adams Society

A. G. Chin

Chairman

Joshua R. Regnier

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Katey Haflund

Chancellor
SEPTEMBER 2013

The radical of one century is the conservative of the next. The radical invents the views. When he has worn them out the conservative adopts them.

~Mark Twain

LIBERTARIANISM can be characterized by the belief that the rights of the individual trump the desires of any collective.  So it follows that if conservatism is a desire for less government interference, less centralized authority, and more individual freedom, then libertarianism is at the heart of this philosophy.

Conservatives of yore led the fight against the expansionary government programs of the progressive era, including the New Deal and the Great Society.  Conservatism today has been the primary opposition to increased government revenue, and the further nationalization of private industry.

ON THE OTHER HAND, libertarians have differed from their conservative rivals with regard to the defense of traditional values, as well as offering a differing assessment of foreign threats.  How can a civilized society ever arise from a group of individuals who are free to choose hedonism over conservative values?  And how would any group of individuals preserve their civilization if they are able to neglect the security of the collective in favor of their own selfish interests?

THE CHAIRMAN, being far too radical to assign either label to himself, has called a debate to settle the question

RESOLVED: Libertarianism is the Soul of Conservatism!

The Debate will be held on September 18, 2013, 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) 564-5185 or the Secretary at (651) 321-8414.