historiblogography

conservative teleology

Or, "Alice's Adventures Through the Looking Glass."

The president's closing thoughts about the state of the union (emphasis added):

As Franklin Roosevelt once reminded Americans, "each age is a dream that is dying, or one that is coming to birth." And we live in the country where the biggest dreams are born. The abolition of slavery was only a dream – until it was fulfilled. The liberation of Europe from fascism was only a dream – until it was achieved. The fall of imperial communism was only a dream – until, one day, it was accomplished. Our generation has dreams of its own, and we also go forward with confidence. The road of Providence is uneven and unpredictable – yet we know where it leads: It leads to freedom.

So historical processes lead in a known direction, toward a clear and detectable destination. Are there, like, stages? Has anyone asked the president if he believes Afghanistan and Iraq are passing from feudalism into the next level of development?

Coming soon, self-declared "progressives" begin lamenting the decline of society, and demanding a return to the old ways.

posted by Chris Bray @ 1:42 AM