Imaginative Conservatism

A new and rather impressive blog has made its appearance. The Imaginative Conservative seems to be the main forum right now for intelligent discussion of social and cultural issues from the vantage-point of the cultural or "paleo"-conservatives Russell Kirk and Christopher Dawson. It is American, so English and other non-US readers may need a glossary to decode the language sometimes. As I have remarked before, words like "conservative" (and liberal, and libertarian) have several meanings, depending on context. I am convinced that the next step for the conservative movement is to find common cause with conservationists, but that is a step that many are still resisting. However, if you want to conserve Western civilization, this conversation is worth joining.

Rural co-operatives

 If we want to develop "fraternity in the economy" we need guidance, inspiration, examples of good practice. One very helpful agency in this regard is the Plunkett Foundation, which exists in the UK to support social enterprises and particularly rural co-operatives. It provides very effective finance and advice for groups wanting to save local shops, reconnect people with the land, build community in practical ways. It was established in 1919 by Sir Horace Plunkett, the pioneer of agricultural co-operation in Ireland - the aim being "Better Farming, Better Business, Better Living". It has an online information centre and a vast database of case studies.