Book Launching, Milan, October 15, 1993

October 25, 2010

Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites in the Allocutions of Pius XII to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility   Pius XII: Great Goals and Immense Means to Bring About the Restoration of the Christian Social Order   Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira   One of the most important results of the First World War, though not the […]

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Time for surgery. Do you want an average surgeon, or an elite surgeon?

October 24, 2010

Cling V. Bitter, Elitist V. Snob April 15, 2008 By Jonah Goldberg “I understand that elitism has come to mean snobbish arrogance and all that, which is what most people mean when they say elitist. But I’m going to cling to my view of elitism regardless of which way the tide pulls me.” http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/161611/cling-v-bitter-elitist-v-snob/jonah-goldberg

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We need elites – because a bone through the nose is not equivalent to a moon launch

October 24, 2010

  h/t: nationalreview.com May 13, 2002 In Defense of Elitism We need it. “…conservatism will become meaningless if, in an effort to displace the current elite from its perch, we embrace the notion that nobody has a right to that perch.” http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/205202/defense-elitism/jonah-goldberg

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Don John called his lion Austria

October 21, 2010

A very extraordinary thing happened to D. John at the Alcazaba [of Tunis]. This castle, which, as we have said, was big and strong, had within its walls large cloistered courtyards, orchards, and gardens, comfortable rooms richly furnished in the Moorish fashion, with pavements and fountains of white marble. These were the rooms of the […]

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Launching of the Portuguese edition of Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites in the Allocutions of Pius XII

October 21, 2010

Launching of the Portuguese edition of Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites in the Allocutions of Pius XII   Estoril Palace Hotel – Estoril (greater Lisbon), Portugal November 1, 1994   Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira   [Recorded message] Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great satisfaction—and at the same time with much sorrow—that I present to […]

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Don John is offered the kingdoms of Albania and Morea

October 18, 2010

A mysterious event, then very secret, but afterwards known by everyone, came to spur on in D. John his desire to continue the campaign according to the treaty of the League, and according to the continual demands of Pius V, the only one who raised his voice, without worldly interest, in absolute and saintly independence. […]

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A response to Jonah Goldberg on anti-elitism

October 14, 2010

“Perhaps it’s not surprising that this issue has tied conservative intellectuals in knots” http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2010/10/a_response_to_jonah_goldberg_o.html

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National Review responds to Washington Post “ordinary elite” article

October 14, 2010

Anne Applebaum’s Quarter-Baked Sociology By Jonah Goldberg “Applebaum doesn’t seem to comprehend that it is not status-class anxiety that is driving the main critique of the elite. It is that this particular elite is hellbent on bossing the country around that will make America less meritocratic.” http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/249445/anne-applebaums-quarter-baked-sociology-jonah-goldberg

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Key issues facing civilization

October 14, 2010

World’s First Global Atheistic Civilization Headed for Disaster: Former Czech President By Hilary White ROME, October 13, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The world’s first global and deliberately atheistic civilization is heading for disaster, the first president of the modern Czech Republic told an audience this week. Vaclav Havel, one of the most respected political and literary […]

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Princess Turned Poor Clare Nun to Be Canonized

October 14, 2010

ROME, OCT. 13, 2010 (Zenit.org).- On Sunday, Benedict XVI will canonize Camilla da Varano, who left the life of a princess and multiple marriage proposals to become a Poor Clare nun at age 23. https://zenit.org/?s=articles

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Definitions, oh, definitions…

October 14, 2010

“When the rich former CEO of one of America’s largest companies casts herself as a victim of elitism, we have surely strayed far from any literal definition of the term. So what do Republicans mean by this French word?” http://www.slate.com/id/2269576/

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 9, 1958

October 14, 2010

With great satisfaction We welcome you, beloved Sons and Daughters, into Our house, which is still pervaded by the holy fragrances of the Christmas holiday. You have come to reconfirm your devout fidelity to this Apostolic See, and with the heart of a father anxious to surround himself with his children’s affections, We comply most […]

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Fatima Cadem, daughter of Ali Pasha, asks Don John to release her captured brothers

October 14, 2010

D. John of Austria’s kind heart was full of compassion for the misfortunes of the sons of Ali, and he ordered that, without being separated from their tutor Alhamet or their five servants, they were to be brought on board the “Real,” that he might have them under his own eye to protect and comfort […]

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Book review – An American Knight

October 13, 2010

Ideals To Aspire To Reviewed by: R.Adm. William A. Heine, USNR (ret) and Colonel Michael D. Wyly USMC (Ret.) Both men were classmates of Colonel John Ripley, Class of 1962, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. A lone U.S. Marine hand-walked, gripping the girders underneath the bridge over the Cua Viet River in the midst of a […]

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Replace the elites? With what?

October 12, 2010

The rise of the ‘ordinary’ elite By Anne Applebaum Tuesday, October 12, 2010; A17 “But I don’t quite see what comes next. When Ginni Thomas tells a cheering crowd of Virginia Tea Partyers that ‘we are ruled by an elite that thinks it knows better than we know’ who, or what, does she want to […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 14, 1952

October 11, 2010

Faithful to your ancient tradition, beloved Sons and Daughters, you have again come this year to present the visible Head of the Church with a testimonial of your devotion and your fond wishes for the New Year. We welcome them with keen and affectionate gratitude, and offer you in return Our warmest regards. We include […]

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Pope Saint Pius V has a vision announcing the victory of Lepanto

October 11, 2010

In the afternoon of that same day, the 7th of October, 1571, the Pope was walking about his room, listening to the relation by his treasurer, Mons. Busotti de Bibiana, of various businesses committed to his care; the Pope suffered terribly from stone, and as usually the pain attacked him while seated, he had to […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 11, 1951

October 7, 2010

With all Our heart We extend Our paternal greeting to the members of the Roman Patriciate and Nobility who, true to an ancient tradition, have gathered around Us at the dawn of the New Year to offer Us their fervent best wishes, as expressed with filial devotion by their illustrious and eloquent representative. One after […]

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Lepanto: Turkish might buckles in the grandest naval battle of History

October 7, 2010

  The Turkish fleet came on imposing and terrible, all sails set, impelled by a fair wind, and it was only half a mile from the line of galliasses and another mile from the line of the Christian ships. D. John waited no longer; he humbly crossed himself, and ordered that the cannon of challenge […]

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Book by Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira Launched in Portugal

October 6, 2010

Catolicismo, No. 530, February 1995 (www.catolicismo.com.br)   Book by Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira Launched in Portugal   by Antonio Carlos de Azeredo Special for Catolicismo LISBON—The Portuguese TFP has promoted at the Estoril Palace Hotel, a few kilometers from this capital, a colloquy about the book by the illustrious President of the Brazilian TFP […]

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Don John of Austria used an ivory crucifix to inspire his men before Lepanto

October 4, 2010

Calmness in the presence of danger had always been one of D. John of Austria’s great qualities, and it did not fail him in this crisis. He refrained from telling anyone of the fears and anxieties that Cecco Pizano’s information had inspired in him, and without wasting a second he at once began to take […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 12, 1950

October 4, 2010

If, dear Sons and Daughters, following the example of Our Predecessors, We are accustomed to welcoming you at the start of the New Year to receive and exchange our good wishes, it is because Our heart, far from obeying worldly considerations or preferences, is moved by feelings of honor and loyalty.  In you We hail […]

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The Nobility of the Holy Family & Prayer to St. Joseph

October 1, 2010

Mary, Joseph, and, Therefore, Jesus Were Born of Royal Stock From a sermon of Saint Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444) about Saint Joseph: Firstly, let us consider the nobility of the bride, that is, the Most Holy Virgin. The Blessed Virgin was more noble than any other creature that had been born in human form, that […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 15, 1949

September 30, 2010

The Christmas holidays and the renewal of the year are for Christian families a joyous occasion for strengthening the bonds of affection and for manifesting love of one another with good wishes and mutual promise of prayers. We feel this joy today, as in accordance with ancient tradition you have come, beloved Sons and Daughters, […]

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Don John of Austria’s calm self-command seeing the power of the Turkish armada

September 30, 2010

At daybreak on the 7th of October, 1571, D. John of Austria ordered the fleet to leave the port of Petala, and very carefully to go along the channel between the coast of Greece and Oxia, the last island of the Curzolari; in the latitude of Cape Scropha the watch on the “Real” made signals […]

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Are the Levellers back?

September 29, 2010

[A] bureau inside an agency (the Fed) that it doesn’t report to, with a budget not subject to Congressional control, now gets a leader not subject to Senate confirmation. Click here to read the complete article in The Wall Street Journal.

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Centralized government: Bismark was the model for America?

September 29, 2010

Wilson sought, in his 1886 essay on “The Study of Administration,” to model America’s national administration on Bismarck’s Prussia. He wrote that this model of centralized government “is not of our making; it is a foreign science, speaking very little of the language of English or American principle. It . . . utters none but […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 14, 1948, to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility

September 27, 2010

Although the present difficult circumstances have advised Us this year to give your traditional audience an external form different from the custom, neither the reception of your homages and vows nor the expression of Our best wishes for you and your families has lost any of their intimate value and profound significance. Just as the […]

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St. Louis of France: A king’s might lies in the affection of his people

September 27, 2010

  The eldest son of Saint Louis IX, who never succeeded the Crusader-King since he died first, received the following counsel from his father: “My son, endear yourself to the people of your kingdom; for I prefer that a Scotsman come and govern them well and loyally, than for you to govern them badly.” Marius […]

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The Duke of Noailles: Noble superiority while risking life and limb during war

September 23, 2010

In the siege of Girona, in 1711, the Duke of Noailles who was the commanding general, went to inspect a battery of artillery. “Did you hear that music?” he asked the artillery officer, when a cannon ball from the enemy barely missed him. “Oh I pay no attention to the shots flying in, only those […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 8, 1947

September 23, 2010

The homage of your loyalty and devotion, and the wishes of good tidings which you, beloved Sons and Daughters, come to offer Us each year by ancient custom, and which have been so beautifully expressed by your most excellent representative, always fill Our heart with sincere gratitude. Naturally, they usually reflect the thoughts and worries […]

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USA Launching Pictures

September 21, 2010

             

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 16, 1946

September 21, 2010

In past years, beloved Sons and Daughters, on this occasion—after having paternally welcomed the wishes that your illustrious representative usually offers Us in your name, with such noble expressions of faith and filial devotion—We usually accompanied Our expressions of thanks with some recommendations suggested by the circumstances of the moment. We spoke to you of […]

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The Duke of Guise: One must fight to the last even amidst seemingly impossible odds

September 21, 2010

During the battle for La Rochelle, the ship of the Duke of Guise caught fire.  La Rochefoucault approached to inform him:  “Sir, everything is lost!” The Duke immediately turned to the pilot and commanded:  “Turn the ship around. There’s no difference if we go cooked or roasted.” Edmond Guérard, Dictionnaire encyclopédique d’anecdotes (Paris: Firmin Didot, […]

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Soviet “nobility” give a bad name to true elites.

September 20, 2010

Those Russian communists who massacred their centuries-old nobility, then had to endure a brutal oligarchy. Book review: The New Nobility By Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan PublicAffairs, 301 pages, $26.95 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10.html

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The Constable of Bourbon: the common good always comes first

September 20, 2010

The Constable of Bourbon fell mortally wounded in the battle for the conquest of Rome.  Some soldiers saw him stretched out on the ground and started to help him, without recognizing who he was. Not wanting his wounded condition to discourage them the Constable shouted: “Bourbon is up ahead! Forward! Push on!” Edmond Guérard, Dictionnaire […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 14, 1945

September 20, 2010

Once again, beloved Sons and Daughters, amid the devastation, the mourning, the anxieties of every sort presently tormenting the human family, you have come to offer Us your devout best wishes, which your illustrious representative has presented Us with nobility of sentiment and delicacy of expression. We thank you for this with all Our heart, […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 19, 1944

September 16, 2010

Little was your worry, beloved Sons and Daughters, that the present trials, which interrupt and disturb the calm continuation of family and social life, might prevent you from coming, as in past years, to offer Us, with filial devotion, the homage of your best wishes. This tragic, sorrowful time, so full of anxieties and cares, […]

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From Alfons M. Cardinal Stickler, S.D.B.

September 15, 2010

Most illustrious Professor, I thank you heartily for the kind gift of your work “Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites in the Allocutions of Pius XII to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility,” sent to me in its Italian translation. It made a deep impression on me for several reasons: first of all, for its timeliness, in […]

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Letter from Mario Luigi Cardinal Ciappi, O.P.

September 15, 2010

Distinguished Professor, Your great renown and the words of praise and encouragement given for your work by the illustrious Fr. Victorino Rodriguez, O.P., generally considered one of the glories of contemporary theology, have led me to read with lively interest your book “Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites in the Allocutions of Pius XII to the […]

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Letter from Silvio Cardinal Oddi

September 15, 2010

Distinguished Professor, It was with keen interest that I read your work “Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites in the Allocutions of Pius XII to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility.” The thought of the great Pope Pius XII, as one can see in the documents mentioned, remains entirely relevant, and you have taken the good initiative […]

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Letter from Fr. Raimondo Spiazzi, O.P.

September 15, 2010

Distinguished Professor, I have attentively read your work “The Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites in the Allocutions of Pius XII to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility,” which you were so kind to send to me. I deem felicitous your idea of giving wide diffusion to those documents of Pius XII, which at first glance might […]

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Absolutism distanced royal authority from the tempered organic monarchy of the Middle Ages

September 13, 2010

While he was visiting Copenhagen, Czar Peter the Great was taken by King Frederick IV to the top of a famous round tower. In order to impress the Danish sovereign with an example of his autocratic form of government, the Russian despot beckoned to a soldier of his guard. “Jump!” the Czar then ordered. The […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 11, 1943

September 13, 2010

How, beloved Sons and Daughters, could the warm and heartfelt greetings that the lofty words of your illustrious representative conveyed to Us in your name fail to find their response in the offerings We now raise to God on your behalf? Unvanquished by the sorrows of the present hour, We feel, at this moment, a […]

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“Two hundred years since the French Revolution, and still we have a king.”

September 13, 2010

Despite relentless media criticism, thousands travel to Sweden’s capital for royal wedding, and millions more follow it on television and the internet. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/world/europe/25sweden.html?scp=3&sq=&st=nyt

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Everything related to nobility continues to attract worldwide attention

September 10, 2010

http://www.wdrb.com/

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 5, 1942

September 10, 2010

Beloved Sons and Daughters, the loftily worded message of greeting that your illustrious representative has communicated to Us, wishes, it seems to us, to manifest above all that filial attachment to the Apostolic See which spurs your faith and is the finest glory of the Roman Patriciate and Nobility. With great joy and exaltation, We […]

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The Dauphin, the tutor and Diogenes

September 8, 2010

Marie Antoinette’s son had great admiration for his tutor, Father d’Avaux.  After a History lesson, the young prince lit a lantern and began searching the floor for something as he slowly made his way over to his teacher. Having reached the priest, the Dauphin took his hand and said:  “I’m more fortunate than Diogenes.  I […]

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Marie Antoinette reprimands the Dauphin for whistling

September 6, 2010

The Dauphin of France by Alexander Kucharsky While at his studies one day, the Dauphin suddenly began whistling. Hearing this, Marie Antoinette reprimanded him. The young prince excused himself, saying: “Mamma, I just found out how poorly I did in my studies yesterday, so I was booing myself.” Edmond Guérard, Dictionnaire encyclopédique d’anecdotes (Paris: Firmin […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 5, 1941

September 6, 2010

A cause for deep, paternal joy in Our heart is granted Us, dear Sons and Daughters, by your welcome gathering around Us at the start of the New Year, a year no less fraught with fearful horizons than the one just passed. Here you have come to present to us your filial good wishes through […]

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Pius XII – Allocution of January 8, 1940

September 3, 2010

Allocution of January 8, 1940 At the start of the New year, a twofold gift has been given us by the Roman Patriciate and Nobility by their gathering around Us: the most appreciated gift of their presence and the gift of their filial best wishes, adornments, as a flower, of the testimonial of their traditional […]

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Louis XII of France: Honor is something more precious than a kingdom

September 2, 2010

Battle of Agnadello by Jollivet Pierre-Jules After losing the kingdom of Naples to Spain, Louis XII stated, “I preferred to lose the kingdom which I can reconquer, rather than lose my honor which can never be restored.” Edmond Guérard, Dictionnaire encyclopédique d’anecdotes (Paris: Firmin Didot, 1872), Vol. I, p. 543. (Nobility.org translation.) Short Stories on […]

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Supreme Court – Elitist?

September 1, 2010

Joel Stein, writing for Time Magazine emphatically says yes in his August 23, 2010 article Bring On the Elites! With so recent antielitist rhetoric flying around, his response is somewhat sarcastic: http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2010191,00.html

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Modern American Heroes link added

August 31, 2010

Stunning examples of modern American heroes. http://www.modernamericanheroes.com/

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German edition available

August 30, 2010

The German edition is now available for purchase here: http://tfp.at/2014/08/20/das-buch-der-adel-und-die-vergleichbaren-traditionellen-eliten/ A Night in Vienna At the reception hall of the majestic Coburg Palace, right in the heart of Vienna, a distinguished audience attended the October 30, 2008 launching of the first Austrian edition of the book, Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites in the Allocutions of […]

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Charlemagnes give rise to Rolands

August 29, 2010

During the Middle Ages, it was usual for French soldiers as they marched to sing the Chanson de Roland (Song of Roland) which exalts the valor of Charlemagne. One day, hearing his troops signing, John II, a weakly king, stated: “It’s been a long time since a Roland appeared among French soldiery.” “There would be […]

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The Marquess of Pontelena checks the absolutism of Joseph I, King of Portugal

August 28, 2010

Being in conversation with some nobles, Joseph I, King of Portugal, commented on a monarch’s authority over his subjects. The Marquis of Pontelena dared to suggest that there are limits to that power. The king, not willing to admit any such checks, retorted: “If I were to order you to throw yourself into the sea, […]

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Additional links of interest

August 28, 2010

Academy of the Sacred Heart (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) Academy of the Sacred Heart (Grand Coteau, La.) Academy of the Sacred Heart (St. Charles, Mo.) Army and Navy Club Bull Run Hunt Choate Rosemary Hall CILANE Colonial Dames of America Conventus Terra Mariana (English language) Cosmos Club Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington Deep Run Hunt […]

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Preferential Option…What Is It?

August 27, 2010

by Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira Preferential option for the nobility. At first glance this expression may startle readers familiar with the more common phrase often used Pope John Paul II: “preferential option for the poor.” Nevertheless, what inspires this book is precisely a preferential option for the nobility. The objection may be raised that, ex […]

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Property rights denied to all.

August 27, 2010

Why would anyone invest in a country that denies the right to own fruits and vegetables? http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/08/27/cuba-oks-year-foreign-leases-govt-land-allows-citizens-grow-sell-farm-goods/

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