Jersey Conservative serves as a platform for an ongoing conversation about the meaning and application of "conservatism" in the specific context of New Jersey. The discussion is undertaken primarily by the Contributors, who have exclusive access to post blog entries, links and calendar items. The Commentators provide views and insights on the Contributors' entries. Both the Contributors and Commentators are invited to join the site. The site is not open to public posting.
The intended tone of the site can perhaps best be described by a proposal made during its development:
It goes without saying that civility, good humor and optimism are basic necessities. We also cannot be simply reactive, or assume that readers share our values, positions or assumptions. We need to articulate and justify the specific philosophical grounds for our views and arguments. We also need to provide positive and realistic alternatives wherever possible. This degree of self-examination and intellectual honesty will not only enrich our discussion (not least because we may disagree with each other), but it will also attract and win over readers who are looking for thoughtful discussion rather than a partisan echo chamber.
It is hoped that the Jersey Conservative discussion will help to elucidate the ideas and views which the writers share, as well as the points of difference between them. There are many competing and sometimes conflicting ideas, constructs, impulses and dispositions within the broad field of "conservatism." The discussion on Jersey Conservative is intended to build a framework within which such views and concepts can be fruitfully discussed, not only on the site but also in the state's larger political conversation.
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