It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common GoodAmong politicians of national stature today, there is perhaps none more respected as a principled conservative than Rick Santorum. In It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good, Santorum articulates the humane vision that he believes must inform public policy if it is to be effective and just. An appreciation for the civic bonds that unite a community lies at the heart of genuine conservatism. Moreover, Santorum demonstrates how such an approach to political, social, and economic problems offers the most promise for those on the margin of life: the poor, the vulnerable, and minorities who have often been excluded from opportunity in America. Santorum argues that conservative statesmanship is animated by a sense of stewardship for an inheritance. But what do we inherit as Americans? And how can we be good stewards of that inheritance? Building on Robert PutnamÆs discussion of “social capital,” the habits of association and trust that are the preconditions of any decent society, Santorum assesses how well, in the past generation, Americans have cared for the “fabric” of society. He explores in detail various dimensions of social and cultural connection that are the foundation of the common good. And he presents innovative policy proposals for the renewal of American society at all levels. Throughout his book, Santorum emphasizes the central role of the family—in contradistinction to the metaphorical “village” of the federal government, as promoted by Hillary Clinton—in achieving the common good. With a sustained argument touching on first principles throughout, this ambitious and original book is a major contribution to contemporary political debate. It Takes a Family further establishes Santorum as the leader of reform-minded civic conservatives in America. |
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Page 129
... percent ! Today , we launch an endeavor that will ensure that the percentage of American adults living in poverty in ... percent of all American chil- dren under the age of 18 lived in poverty . Over the years it fluctuated some , up and ...
... percent ! Today , we launch an endeavor that will ensure that the percentage of American adults living in poverty in ... percent of all American chil- dren under the age of 18 lived in poverty . Over the years it fluctuated some , up and ...
Page 130
... percent in 1995 . Imagine if President Johnson went on to say : " There is more . As a result of this great new ... percent of all births in this country were to unmarried moth- ers . By 1995 , the figure was 32.2 percent . For whites ...
... percent in 1995 . Imagine if President Johnson went on to say : " There is more . As a result of this great new ... percent of all births in this country were to unmarried moth- ers . By 1995 , the figure was 32.2 percent . For whites ...
Page 410
... percent could not identify George Washington as the American general at the battle of Yorktown ; • 53 percent thought that Abraham Lincoln was president prior to 1860 ; 32 percent did not know who the Axis powers were in World War II ...
... percent could not identify George Washington as the American general at the battle of Yorktown ; • 53 percent thought that Abraham Lincoln was president prior to 1860 ; 32 percent did not know who the Axis powers were in World War II ...
Contents
The Task of Stewardship | 3 |
NoFault Freedom | 13 |
Families and the Common Good | 21 |
Copyright | |
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