The Princeton

ToryMay 2009 25th Anniversary

Also: THE IssuE March 2008 AND P W THE PRINCETON OINT HAT /C ’S OUNTER WP RONG

PRINCETON OINT WITH : G W LOBALOODY W W OO TORY TORYMay 2008 ARMING McCoshed: A special investigation reveals incompetence and ethical lapses at Princeton’s health center

Hypocrisy Also Inside: at the LGBT Center The untold story of the Nava response A TORY Exclusive Princeton’s Preacher Sex Jeopardy! & Whit Stillman to Princeton

INSIDE: Special ALSO: Stem25th CellAnniversary Research Section! Comes The Princeton Letter from the Publisher The Importance Of Tory Tradition May 2009 eing publisher of this magazine doesn’t afford Volume XXVI - Issue II Bmuch time for reflection on its tradition. One must live from deadline to deadline, handling the idiosyncratic problems that arise, working all the Publisher while with the silent hope that he is “making his Robert Day ’10 mark” on the publication, that he will leave it better Editor-in-Chief Managing Editors off than where he found it. These publisher’s notes Brandon McGinley ’10 Andrew Saraf ’11 – which I affectionately call “my complimentary Aaron Smargon ’11 soap box” – are perfect example of this. Each issue provides me a new opportunity to express my own Copy Editors opinions, a new chance to assert my individuality. Shivani Radhakrishnan ’11 Production Manager I even get my own photo. Ameena Schelling ’12 Alfred Miller ’11 And yet, as I sorted through the 25 years of Tory issues with Brandon David Schuster ’12 McGinley looking for articles to publish in this one, I was hit with a sense of Production Assisstants the tradition I was a part of. I saw quite clearly that I was part of a progression Financial Manager Joelle Birge ’11 of people who had done the same. I was part of a history of publishers, all Steve Lindsay ’12 Christine Bokman ’11 using this space as their own “soap box” - individual photo and all. Indeed, in one year’s time, I too shall join these publishers as part of that history. I will become some future publisher’s past. Publisher Emeritus Operations Manager What I felt in this sudden consciousness of tradition as I waded through Joel Alicea ’10 William Herlands ’12 the archives was not a belittling of my sense of self – this is still my soap box, thank you very much – but in fact a profoundly comforting feeling of Editor-in-Chief Emeritus continuity with my predecessors. And it occurred to me that this feeling ought Leon Furchtgott’09 to extend through the entire Tory community. For we all have played equal Staff Writers parts in a history that we helped write, and that bit we wrote was fundamentally dependent on what had already been written. It is only because of this history, Douglas Lavanture ’09 Matthew Sanyour ’11 for example, that I can intelligibly call this my “soap box” at all. Clint Montague ’09 Aaron Smargon ’11 What I mean to say is that as we move forward, we constantly look to Emely Peña ’09 Emma Yates ’11 our past, whether we are aware of it or not. This maxim is nothing new for Kyle Smith ’09 Kerry Brodie ’12 conservatives of course, and it is for this reason we find something quite perverse Katie Fletcher ’10 Stuart Chessman ’12 in the incautious tirade of our liberal counterparts against the historical and Amy Osterman ’10 William Herlands ’12 social traditions– be it marriage, faith, gender or otherwise – that have played Joelle Birge ’11 Steven Lindsay ’12 such a foundational role in not only sculpting our acts, but our very identity. For this 25th Anniversary Issue, we thought it appropriate to make our Christine Bokman 11 Raphael Murillo 12 ’ ’ backward glance more explicit by publishing a few articles from the past. By Nicholas Elan ’11 Sam Norton ’12 doing so, we honor the Tory’s past, to which we – as Tories – are forever in Bobby Marsland ’11 Ameena Schelling ’12 debt. We first offer you a revealing interview with President Tilghman just three Jeffery Mensch ’11 David Schuster ’12 months after she was elected president, in which she discusses her academic Alfred Miller ’11 Shivani Sud ’12 philosophy, her vision for Princeton, and the question of stem cell research. The Shivani Radhakrishnan ’11 second two articles, one written for Volume One of the Tory in 1985 and the Board of Trustees other for the publication’s 10th anniversary, are themselves reflective pieces. Peter Heinecke ’87 Timothy Webster ’99 The first is a fascinating examination of the state of campus conservatism; the Anna Bray Duff ’92 Peter Hegseth ’03 second, an in depth look at the Tory’s history and influence: a project whose importance I have already provided the reasons for. Brian Tvenstrup 95 Ira Leeds 06 ’ ’ We have not, however, abandoned our tradition in our reflection in it. To Wickham Schmidt ’99 do so would in fact be a most serious affront rather than homage. And so to that The Princeton Tory is a journal of conservative and moderate political thought end, we have three new articles on campus issues and political commentary: written, edited and produced by Princeton University students and delivered free of charge to all Princeton students and faculty. The Princeton Tory is a publication of an examination of the planned budget cuts in light of economic downturns, a The Princeton Tory, Inc. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not look at the prospects of embryonic stem cell research occurring on our very necessarily those of the editors, trustees, Princeton University, or The Princeton Tory, campus, and a comment on the future of the social conservative movement in Inc. The Princeton Tory accepts letters to the editor. Direct correspondence to: such unsure times for the Republican party. Brandon’s Last Word offers his P.O. Box 1499, Princeton, NJ 08542; or by e-mail: [email protected]. Advertise- reflections on the current conservative movement - a piece which should serve ment rates for The Princeton Tory can be found on the magazine’s website at www. our future as well as the past has served us. princetontory.com. Donations to The Princeton Tory are fully tax-deductible. Please mail donations to: P.O. Box 1499, Princeton, NJ 08542. We Tories have much to be thankful to the Tory for, and we have each The Princeton Tory is a member of the Collegiate Network. The Princeton other to thank for it. And so here’s to the Tory on its 25th Anniversary. May Tory gives special thanks to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Princeton Alumni Viewpoints, and The Bachman Foundation. she always stand athwart history, yelling “Halt,” so long as that history is not The Princeton Tory, Inc. is a non-profit corporation registered in New Jersey. her own. No part of this publication should be construed to promote any pending legislation or to support any candidate for office. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express written consent of the Publisher. Sincerely, Copyright © 2009 The Princeton Tory Rob Day ‘10

2 The Princeton Tory May 2009 the

princeton tory May 2009 - Volume XXVI - Issue II www.princeton.edu/~tory Table of Contents

Ca m p u s 4 Budget Cuts Reveal University’s Priorities by Nick Elan ’11 Is sustainability or diversity more important to the university?

6 Stem Cell Research Comes to Princeton? by Shivani Sud ’12 Will embryo-destructive research find a home in the Orange Bubble?

Co m m e n t a r y

9 The Importance of Social Conservatism by Bobby Marsland ’11 While the Republican Party rebuilds, it must not forget two key social issues.

Sp e c i a l 25t h An n i v e r s a r y Se c t i o n

11 An Interview with President Shirley Tilghman by Peter Hegseth ‘03 Just three months after being elected president in 2001, the Tory held an interview with Princeton’s first female president.

13 Why is Junior Conservative? by Daniel Polisar ‘87 Written during the its founding year, the Tory published a piece taking an in-depth look at the collegiate conservative immediately following Reagan’s re-election.

16 The First Decade of the Tory: 1984-1994 by Alexander G. Sherman ‘97 For the 10th Anniversary Issue, the Tory dug into its archives and wrote a brief history.

La s t Wo r d

18 The Silver Anniversary by Brandon McGinley ’10 Why morality has always mattered (and always will).

May 2009 The Princeton Tory 3 Ca m p u s Budget Cuts Reveal University’s Priorities Sustainability Initiative Is Big Winner, While Diversity Loses its Luster

Nicholas Elan ’11 were revolutionized in the 1960s? The newly created Office of Sustainability. university administration has often Thus, nearly 60 percent of additions to With the precipitous decline of its readily accepted a range of fashionable, program funding fell under the category of endowment, Princeton was forced to make “progressive” academic and administrative sustainability. a broad set of budget cuts. An investigation initiatives as they emerged. And as each Meanwhile, PriCom declined to fund of these cuts will illuminate the university’s earned its place on the growing list of requests from the Carl Fields Center, priorities. The university’s recent spending the university’s professed imperatives, the Office of Human Resources, and the decisions paint a telling portrait of the the bureaucracy flourished. How would a Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional varied ideological demands faced by the nascent movement, e.g., the sustainability Equity, all of which had asked PriCom to modern academy and outline a hierarchy effort, fare in comparison with the older pay for a Diversity-related bureaucratic among its ideological initiatives, with emphasis on “diversity,” and how would position. For example, the Office of Human newer, more marketable initiatives taking each fare in comparison to less politically Resources wanted permanent funding for priority. charged concerns? The committee was put the “Manager of Diversity and Inclusion,” The task of deciding while the Institutional how the university will Equity office applied spend its money is entrusted to have the job of to the Priorities Committee While the university is willing to bestow “Director for Equal (PriCom), a 17-member Opportunity Programs” group of administrators, equally fawning rhetoric upon each of funded permanently. faculty, and graduate and its adopted initiatives, sustainability is Both jobs, which were undergraduate students. created on term funding PriCom receives funding “more equal” than diversity where actual in 2007, were projected proposals from senior to pay a salary of administrators and then funding decisions have to be made. $101,303 according to deliberates on which a report presented to the elements of the proposed committee by Executive spending it will approve. Vice President Mark PriCom recommends how the university in the difficult position of having to make Burstein. The same report stated that “both should allocate its budget each year. Its the proper genuflections to one interest positions have spearheaded University recommendation must then be approved while actually funding another. efforts to attract and retain a diverse by President Tilghman and the Board of PriCom’s spending decisions suggest workforce and cultivate a community Trustees. that while the university is willing praise that respects and celebrates differences The committee was recently left with each of its adopted initiatives, sustainability of gender and ethnicity.” Though PriCom a number of difficult choices. According is of greater importance than diversity declined to provide these funds, it did to PriCom’s January report to President when actual funding decisions have to “[express] support for these important Tilghman, the committee had only be made. PriCom embraced a number University staff members.” The Fields $500,000 to distribute among various of requests that, in its report, it separates Center did not respond to an inquiry about “programmatic requests.” This was an into two themes: Sustainability and Health how it was handling the university’s budget allowance one third the size of the previous Care. Of the $500,000 available, $193,000 cuts. year’s budget. PriCom was thus faced with – almost 40 percent – went to University Ultimately, PriCom only agreed to an unusually difficult series of decisions Health Services, in order to fund several provide additional funding for one minor as programmatic funding requests totaled staff positions. PriCom also pledged diversity related position. One of the two more than $2.8 million. $180,000 for a “Transportation Demand postdoctoral fellowships in psychiatry How, then, has the committee allocated Management” program, which makes up granted permanent funding by the committee funds to a body of interests that has been part of the university’s Sustainability Plan. is described as being related to “diversity” growing steadily since college campuses Meanwhile, another $112,000 went to the in a report released by Vice President for

4 The Princeton Tory May 2009 Ca m p u s Campus Life Janet Dickerson. The report At Princeton, then, the sustainability and assists in carrying out programs such explains that the position, which “has efforts dominated. Referring to the as trayless dining and others.” “This kind focused on diversity issues,” “[specializes] administration’s sustainability efforts, Vice of student-administration collaboration in in culturally competent treatment to diverse President for Facilities Michael McKay the dining hall really is unprecedented,” he student groups.” Oddly, the final PriCom said in an interview that “at the current added. report speaks only in general terms about time, we have no plans to reduce our long- Sustainability also has the potential the postdoctoral fellowships, neglecting to term goals”. There are many possible for broader, less controversial appeal than mention any connection to diversity. One rationales for this trend. Princeton’s diversity, as the university-sanctioned might have expected that the committee administration has repeatedly cited the sustainability initiatives that have emerged would have trumpeted on this campus is this small concession to milder and less overtly “diversity” in its report – The denial of these funds indicates politicized than those but it did no such thing. that have developed Even on a rhetorical level, that diversity spending at Princeton is elsewhere. As thousands then, there are signs that of demonstrators the University’s focus on increasingly seen as a luxury, reserved for swarmed Washington diversity may be waning. more prosperous times. in March vehemently to Some might point out protest the coal-burning that, once the requisite Capitol Power Plant, diversity bureaucracy has been set up, it potential for cost saving as a reason for students at Princeton squabbled over requires less money for expansion. But continuing to fund sustainability initiatives whether residential college dining halls diversity advocates must not have been through the recession. And while many of should go “trayless.” satisfied without a “Manager of Diversity the reductions in resource consumption The diversity effort, on the other and Inclusion,” prompting them to seek prescribed by Nassau Hall may indeed hand, has lost much of its luster. Its basic permanent funding for the position. The cut expenses, the sustainability effort also principles have become almost tautological. demands of the diversity bureaucracy offers the potential of lower bureaucratic The fervor for diversity that gripped continue to grow. The denial of these overhead: the university may not need campuses through the 1990s has largely funds indicates that diversity spending at to hire as many dedicated Sustainability been replaced with a broad and feeble Princeton is increasingly seen as a luxury, administrators, since student groups are complacency among students. It is an open reserved for more prosperous times. This willing to work on the same tasks for free. question whether the latest progressive is in contrast to Harvard’s treatment of Henry Barmeier ’10, the chair of effort will follow the same path. diversity initiatives: In December 2008, Princeton’s Greening Dining Committee, Harvard appointed a new “diversity dean” which he described as “a group of students Nicholas Elan is a sophomore from for its Faculty of Arts and Sciences, who and Dining Services officials that works Washington, D.C. He is majoring in would presumably be expected to work to improve the sustainability of campus philosophy. He may be reached at with the “Senior Vice Provost for Faculty food,” told me that his group “advises [email protected]. Development and Diversity.” Dining Services on sustainability initiatives YES! I want to help The Princeton Tory keep conserva- tism strong at Princeton. I am enclosing my tax-deduct- ible contribution for: Help!

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May 2009 The Princeton Tory 5 Ca m p u s Stem Cell Research Comes To Princeton? Will Embryo-Destructive Research Find A Home in the Orange Bubble?

provided by the somatic donor and which The nature of this research brings up Shivani Sud ’12 have the capability of differentiating into some moral uncertainties: Does deriving any human cell, tissue or organ, without stem cells from an embryo constitute n March 9, 2009, President Barack the danger of immune rejection. Perhaps a destroying a life and playing the role Obama signed the Stem Cell brief explanation of stem cell technology of God? Surely we cannot remove the OExecutive Order, lifting the ban explains the possibility of these outcomes. organs of a person deemed of lesser value, on embryonic stem cell research funding Most cells execute specialized and use them to save others’ lives; so restrictions. Previously by law, no federal tasks and cannot be taught to perform how than can we pick apart embryos for funds could contribute research purposes? Or, to embryonic stem conversely, if we know cell research with cell that research involving lines created post- “The plain fact is that destroying an embryo is embryos will potentially 2001. Research with save lives, are we being newer cell lines was destroying a life...Even in the embryonic and immoral by choosing restricted to state and fetal stages, the developing human is a distinct not to sacrifice the private funds. The embryos? To all these Executive Order allows organism--one that is numerically identical with questions, Princeton for federal funding of faculty members have a research performed the organism that will, if all goes well, someday be variety of responses. with hundreds of new crawling, then walking, then riding a tricycle.” When asked what lines regardless of goes into the process their date of creation. of weighing the ethical “Leftover” blastocysts concerns regarding stem from in vitro fertilization clinics may be differently. Red blood cells and neurons, cell research, President Shirley Tilghman utilized to produce new cell lines provided for example, have finite life spans and responded, parental consent, but no new embryos may particular functions; they are considered For me personally, this is a cost/benefit be formed. terminally differentiated. But stem cells analysis. In coming to my own decision to Like abortion, the embryonic stem cell have two unique properties, the ability allow stem cell research I have weighed the debate has divided the country. There are both of self-renewal through mitosis and potential harm that comes from destroying questions of definition—when does life of differentiation into various cell types a human embryo that is in excess of clinical begin? Questions of morality—is it ethical depending on transcription and translation need in an in vitro fertilization clinic (and to create and to destroy embryos for our patterns. Two forms exist—adult stem cells, is likely to be discarded or left in a liquid own selfish purposes? Although science, which are sparse in mature adult tissue, and nitrogen freezer indefinitely) against the via technology, has brought us many embryonic stem cells, which are extracted potential benefits of furthering research modern marvels, it has also made us halt from embryos. Embryonic stem cells are into early development, and developing to think about at what point life begins and pluripotent—differentiable into any type cures for disease. what exactly entails a human being with a of cell, while most adult stem cells are Yet, in his article, “How is the right to live. unipotent or multipotent—differentiable Ethics of Stem Cell Research Different In a recent address President Obama into one or a few types of cells, respectively. from the Ethics of Abortion?” from the announced, “[S]cientists believe these Embryonic stem cells, specifically, are journal Metaphilosophy, Dr. Gilbert tiny cells may have the potential to help derived from the inner cell mass extracted Harman, Princeton University Professor us understand, and possibly cure, some from an eight-day-old blastocyst. Isolating of Philosophy, challenges this assessment. of our most devastating diseases and this inner cell mass involves the destruction He writes in response to the argument that conditions.” The primary objective of of an embryo that, if otherwise placed in a leftover embryos will under no practical stem cell research is to develop stem cell womb, would develop into a mature human circumstances develop into embryos that, lines which contain the same DNA as that life. “The mere fact that a bad outcome was

6 The Princeton Tory May 2009 Ca m p u s

Stem Cell Research: Scientists in Britain have found alternative methods of stem cell research. Photo courtesy ofwww.abc.net.au. going to befall someone anyway does not helped by medical technology. In a summer with ethical issues involving egg donors. always make it permissible to ensure that of 2004 Free Inquiry article entitled, “The But rather than end the controversy, this outcome.” Just because an embryo might Harm That Religion Does,” Singer wrote, research only reignited the debate about not become a human, we are not granted If anyone tries to tell you that, for what it means to be human and whether the unreserved right to destroy it. On this all its quirks and irrationality, religion it is ethical to fuse two different species. matter, Princeton Politics Professor Robert is harmless or even beneficial to society, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the head of the George explained further, remember those 128 million Americans-and Catholic Church in Scotland, said the work The plain fact is that destroying an hundreds of millions more citizens of other consisted of “experiments of Frankenstein embryo is destroying a life… Even in the nations-who might be helped by research proportion.” embryonic and fetal stages, Another technology, the developing human is a induced pluripotent stem distinct organism--one that “We recoil at the very idea of killing a mentally cells, involves injecting is numerically identical skin cells with four genes with the organism that will, retarded child for the sake of saving, say, eight that reprogram them to if all goes well, someday mentally able people...We should recoil at become malleable stem be crawling, then walking, cells. Indeed, induced then riding a tricycle, then relegating any human being in any condition pluripotent stem cells asking mom and dad for are effective and have the car keys…We recoil or at any stage of development to the status of treated conditions such at the very idea of killing disposable research material.” as sickle cell disease a mentally retarded child and Parkinson’s disease for the sake of saving, symptoms in mice. say, eight mentally able In spite of the two people -- one of whom needs a heart, one that is being restricted by religious beliefs. professors’ differences, both Professor of whom needs a liver, two of whom need a Meanwhile, just be glad that Christians in Robert George and Professor Lee Silver are kidney, etc. We should recoil at relegating South Korea do not have the political clout in agreement regarding induced pluripotent any human being in any condition or at that they have in America. stem cells. Professor George strongly favors any stage of development to the status of Alternative methods of stem cell research involving reprogrammed somatic disposable research material. research do exist. A research group at cells. Similarly, in an article published in Princeton philosophy professor, Newcastle University in Britain led by Lyle Newsweek in May 2008 entitled, “Half Peter Singer, whose views are generally Armstrong claimed in April of 2008 to have Human, Half Cow, All Baloney,” Professor utilitarian, favors embryonic stem cell created human-cow hybrid embryos that Silver wrote of the embryonic stem cell research and argues that the religious survived past 3 days, by fusing cow eggs dispute and human-cow embryos, beliefs discouraging embryonic stem cell with human DNA in order to overcome the A new technology [induced pluripotent research are hindering millions from being global short fall of human eggs and to deal stem cells] has removed the entire basis of

May 2009 The Princeton Tory 7 Ca m p u s in the stem cell research community. In December of 2005, New Jersey became the first state to award grants for stem cell research and since then has received 71 applications for approximately five million dollars in funding. Among the seventeen scientists selected to receive grants were researchers Tom Shenk, Ihor Lemischka and Kateri Moore of Princeton University’s molecular biology department. None of these professors responded to requests for comment from the Tory. In terms of the role that stem cell research is likely to play at our institution, President Tilghman said, Now that it is legal to use federal funds to support human stem cell research, I see no reason why our faculty should not pursue this research, consistent with the ethical guidelines that will govern the research. I doubt whether “many” of our researchers will apply for these funds, as stem cell research is a rather narrow area of biomedical research. However many Embryonic stem cells. Photograph courtesy of yorkstudentrn.wordpress.com. believe that this will be a very active and important area to pursue in the years ahead. this longstanding dispute, though neither and work to ease human suffering. I believe Even though president Tilghman is side is widely aware of it…. In a few we have been given the capacity and will unsure that “many” Princeton researchers years, the field of stem-cell research will to pursue this research – and the humanity will apply for funding, clearly stem cell incorporate these findings. Research on and conscience to do so responsibly.” Does research already has a place at Princeton stem cells will continue apace and the entire this mean that we are not to view embryos and, given the size of the molecular stem-cell controversy of recent years will as potential lives that we are harming biology department, three stem cell grants fade away in Britain, the United States and through their destruction? Where do we is significant number to be awarded to everywhere else…Of course, some diehard draw the line between progressive research Princeton researchers. Though the academic embryo research advocates, scientists and and destruction of life? Does faith allow debate surrounding the ethics of embryonic supporters may have a hard time adjusting us to make such a trade-off between the stem cell research will undoubtedly continue to life without a cause to fight. value of life at different stages, and why is both on and off campus, we hope that our But even with the moral questions over it that society is vehemently opposed to the university will successfully contribute to stem cell research potentially resolved, the harm of infants, but not of the little bundle stem cell research efforts through work issue of opening Pandora’s box on all human of cells that they were only a few months grounded in sound moral principles. embryonic research still exists. Panayiotis prior? Zavos, a controversial fertility doctor, in Princeton, although we think of it April of this year claimed that he had cloned as its own intellectual orange bubble, 14 human embryos, 11 of which were is in no way immune to the political implanted into the wombs of four women ramifications of stem cell research. As Shivani Sud is a freshman interested in for the generation of cloned children. All a research institution, Princeton labs medicine and science policy implications ethical guidelines in the Executive Order have worked with stem cells and many who plans on majoring in the natural handed down by the Obama administration Princeton administrators have been active sciences or engineering. She can be would prohibit such behavior, but Zavos, advocates of making stem cell research contacted at [email protected]. an American citizen conducting research in more feasible. Former Princeton President the Middle East, exemplifies our inability Harold T. Shapiro served as the chair of the to prevent immoral research from taking National Bioethics advisory Commission place completely. and President Shirley Tilghman led the The intersection of science and ethics National Institutes of Health committee is one that must be closely monitored, for charged with the establishment of ethical it indeed has many gray zones. President guidelines concerning stem cell research. Obama said of his choice to allow embryonic Both have been advocates for embryonic stem cell research, “As a person of faith, I stem cell research. believe we are called to care for each other Princeton already plays a large role

8 The Princeton Tory May 2009 Co m m e n t a r y The Importance of Social Conservatism The Republican Party is rebuilding, but the Abortion and Marriage issues are still more important than ever

Bobby Marsland ’11 society in which pregnant women in tough of social conservatism, and some young situations feel enormous pressure to abort Republicans are beginning to argue that s conservatism dead? Obviously, it’s their child, instead of being encouraged opposition to same-sex marriage is merely not dead yet—otherwise you wouldn’t and helped to fulfill the great responsibility an inherited prejudice which conflicts with Ibe reading this—but there is a great entrusted to them. conservatism’s most basic values. To many fear rising among conservatives that the My own experience has convinced people, it seems that restricting marriage to movement is on its way out, and will be me that younger generations are coming opposite-sex couples institutionalizes hatred completely lost within a few generations. to recognize this problem. Of the 200,000 and discrimination against homosexual This sentiment immediately raises the people who descend on Washington, D.C., individuals, and thus violates the state’s question of what conservatism is in the first each year to protest Roe v. Wade, at least basic duty of creating a framework for a place. A growing number of Republicans half are young people. thriving human society. are arguing that conservatism need not A new pro-life facebook.com group Furthermore, for many, a loving and and should not include the “socially” started in February of this year had over a committed marriage is one of the most conservative element. They fear that it will million members by April 4. A 2003 important aspects of a responsible, fulfilled soon be politically impossible for a socially Gallup poll confirms this anecdotal life. If a conservative government is conservative party to win national elections, evidence: 45 percent of teens believe supposed to encourage human fulfillment and many of them think that through responsible use of basic conservative principles liberty, then denying certain require us to abandon social people the opportunity to conservatism. Conservatives think the state exists to pursue this noble goal stands At this time, as the allow individuals to flourish through in direct opposition to the Republican Party enters very core of conservatism. into a critical period of self- free and responsible activity. Yet this view stems from evaluation and rebuilding, a fundamental misreading of it is vitally important that the marriage question. The we consider both questions: is social that abortion should be illegal in some marriage debate is not about whether to deny conservatism consistent with conservative circumstances, while 33 percent believe that certain people the opportunity to marry; it principles, and, if it is, is it a politically it should be illegal in all circumstances. is about what marriage is. Marriage has feasible option in this age? Among both young and old, there are always been intrinsically bound up with the Social conservatism encompasses many Republicans who view abortion as bearing and rearing of children. many issues, but the most fundamental and so grave an evil that they will never vote None of the qualities we typically divisive are abortion and marriage. for a pro-abortion candidate over a pro-life associate with marriage make sense In the context of this discussion, one, and any weakening in the GOP’s pro- otherwise, including the restriction of abortion is by far the less problematic of life stance would throw all these votes to marriage to two people and its necessarily the two. Conservatives think the state exists the wind. Republicans have nothing to fear sexual character. It is impossible for to allow individuals to flourish through from outspokenness on abortion; this issue marriage to be “extended” to same-sex free and responsible activity. The first may in fact be the most effective avenue couples, no matter how much we might responsibility of the state, then, should be to for making the conservative movement want to do so. guard the lives of its citizens, and especially relevant to young people. To apply the word marriage to to support those who are responsible for Same-sex marriage is the more relationships that have nothing to do with the lives of the most vulnerable, so that difficult matter, both philosophically and reproduction is to destroy the meaning all may have the opportunity to exercise politically. It is clear from polls that young of the word. This destruction has been their freedom. Legalized abortion creates a people are losing touch with this aspect occurring for a long time now, which is

May 2009 The Princeton Tory 9 Co m m e n t a r y why many have been able to accept same- sex marriage so quickly, and it may not seem worth the effort to resuscitate the institution we used to call marriage. Nevertheless, the public institution of marriage as a framework for reproduction is in fact demanded by the conservative principles I have outlined, and same- sex marriage has given conservatives an excellent opportunity to explain the reasons why marriage is important and to work to restore it. In terms of conservative principles, there are two issues at stake here. The first is deeply related to the abortion question. During my discussion of abortion, some readers may have thought that I was being too harsh, since from the point of view of many desperate, unwed expectant mothers, the effort of carrying a child to term seems simply impossible. The Future? Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, is considered by some to be In order to create an environment in a future leader of the Republican Party. Photograph courtesy of wikipedia.org. which a woman is truly free to exercise her rate as proof that marriage is no longer restore the party to youthful vigor. The responsibility for her child’s life, the state stable and thus fails to accomplish this goal, marriage issue is more risky, and the GOP needs to encourage fathers to fulfill their but they do not propose any other solution. is in dire need of leaders who know what own responsibilities both toward the women Again, the best way to ensure that children is at stake and can frame the problem they impregnate and toward the children are raised well is to restore to marriage its correctly. that result. Marriage has always been the power to hold fathers accountable to their The upcoming generation will not institution for accomplishing this goal. The wives and children. be convinced by appeals to instinct or fact that it does not custom, and can only accomplish this goal be won over if they very well right now The marriage debate is not about whether to see both that marriage does not mean that we is important and that should demolish it, but deny certain people the opportunity to marry; our commitment to rather that we should reviving marriage is work to rebuild it and it is about what marriage is. Marriage has genuine. reawaken our society It will not be to a deeper awareness always been intrinsically bound up with the enough to keep same- of its purpose. bearing and rearing of children. sex marriage illegal; The second to stop there would issue is the state’s be to make ourselves obligation to provide hypocrites, and the a setting in which children can be properly If we destroy this inherent aspect of party’s youth will notice this. Rather, reared, so that they in time become free, marriage by removing all reference to Republicans need to take positive steps responsible adults. It is very difficult for an children or reproduction from our definition toward restoring marriage to its original unwed mother to give her child all the love of the institution, as the Iowa Supreme Court stature. and attention required to bring him to full has explicitly done recently, we will only If we take these steps, both on the maturity, and it is impossible for the state to cause further harm to future generations. political level and in society at large, we do so directly, however much it tries. In light of these considerations, we will win over enough young people to Children raised by an impersonal see that a party committed to protecting ensure our continued political viability, bureaucracy and indoctrinated by the state freedom and promoting its responsible and we will have the great privilege of will not have the sense of genuine liberty exercise needs to do everything in its power participating in the renewal of the most that is conservatism’s primary value. While to end abortion and to restore marriage important institution of a free society. adoption is a better solution than a state- to its original place in society as the run orphanage, it is still inferior to a stable institution that encourages parents to take marriage, in which a child can look to his responsibility for their biological children Robert Marsland is a sophomore in own biological parents as examples of and for one another. the physics department from Madison, responsible freedom in their loving care for There is little to fear from becoming Wisconsin. He may be reached at him. more outspoken on abortion, and the pro- [email protected]. Many people point to the high divorce life cause may be the one factor that can

10 The Princeton Tory May 2009 Special 25th Anniversary Section When Princeton’s Political Scientist Became President

An Exclusive Interview with President Tilghman just three months after she was elected in 2001.

Peter Hegseth ‘03

ow does it feel to be following in the historical mantle of such an illustrious line of Princeton Hpresidents; leaders such as among other, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and Rev. John Wither- spoon, who signed the Declaration of Independence?

I think the simplest response is: humbling. This university has had, I think, really extraordinary leadership, not just in the eras prior to the 20th century, but I would say my last three predecessors have really put a unique mark on the place, as well. So I am humbled about the prospect of fol- lowing in all of their footsteps.

Has it been overwhelming thus far?

No, I don’t find it overwhelming. I think partly because I’ve adopted the attitude that I’m going to take it one day at a time and I’m not going to expect that I’m going to learn the job all in one day. Every day I’m going to learn a little bit more and know that it will probably take a year before I really have a full grasp of the breath of this university and a reasonable plan for moving on for the next ten years or so.

In a speech on the occasion of the sesquicentennial of Princeton University, President Woodrow Wilson said, “It is the business of a university to impart to the rank and file of the students whom it trains the right thought President Tilghman was all smiles after her election in 2001. of the world, the thought which it has tested and estab- lished, the principles which have stood through the seasons deep respect for the integrity of the human mind.” That quote cap- and become at length part of the immemorial wisdom of the tures my view of what the work of the University should be. race.” What do you believe is the business of this University here and now? Princeton was founded as a Presbyterian institution, and in the 18th and 19th centuries its presidents were all clergymen. What Well, I would actually go back to a different quote of Woodrow role should religion play in the University today? Wilson’s that I think comes closer to my view of the business of the University. These are Wilson’s words, “What we should seek Well, I think it should play an important role. I think religion is part to impart in our colleges, therefore, is not so much learning itself of the culture of virtually every society that I know of on the face of as it is the spirit of learning. It consists in the power to distin- the planet and for many people, it plays a central role in their lives. guish good reason from bad and the power to digest and interpret So I think that we should be open to that. We have a very robust and evidence, in the habit of catholic observation and a preference for exciting Department of Religion – we have a very good Center for the the non-partisan point of view, in an addiction to clear and logical Study of Religion – and I see no reason that we shouldn’t in fact con- processes of thought and yet an instinctive desire to interpret rather tinue to maintain and enhance those activities. There is no question than stick to the letter of reasoning, in a taste for knowledge and a that there is a call for it from students and we need to respond to it.

May 2009 The Princeton Tory 11 Special 25th Anniversary Section You have said that you plan to place a high emphasis on di- A writer from the Boston Globe recently described you as a versifying the student body and removing Princeton’s tenure “closet radical.” Is this an accurate characterization? system which you believe discriminates against women. How do you plan to tackle these issues? I’m insulted. I didn’t think I was in the closet at all (laughing). Well, I think what she meant by that was that I came up in a gener- I would start by saying that the first is true and the second is not. ation of scientists who did not see taking public stands on issues as Just to clarify the second point quickly, I had back in the early something that was within the job description of being a scientist 1990s suggested that tenure, as it was currently practiced at many in the United States. So while I think scientists have very strong universities, disadvantages women. The reason is really simple. views about a lot of things, including stem cells, the intent of most That is, the period up to the decision of tenure comes at peak re- scientists was keep your head down, do your work and stay out productive years for most women faculty. As such, unless human of the public domain. That really began to change I would say in cloning happens a lot more quickly than we think it will, women the last ten years. There is sort of a new cohort of scientists, a lot are still going to have babies. As a consequence, one of the things of them roughly my age, who have begun not only to speak out, I suggested then – and I still believe – is that we should be ask- but in fact take very senior jobs, both in the government as well as ing ourselves, “Is there another way to obtain the benefits that the in the private sector, and become visible scientific spokespeople. tenure system definitely brings to the University, which is the pro- I think what she meant was that I was one of those people and in tection of academic freedom plus the time for peer review, that in that sense was radical. fact is not affecting one gender more than the other?” So I’m not in favor of abolishing tenure, what I’m in favor of is reviewing You recently wrote a letter to President Bush urging him to al- the ways in which we can go about doing it in such a way that it low embryonic stem-cell research. Did he respond? And what doesn’t make this distinction – which I think it does. The way I did you think of his final decision? would go about doing that is a way in which the University goes about considering virtually everything it does, which is to get a I thought it was a reasonable compromise. I think that President group of very thoughtful people together to study the question and Bush was put into in a very difficult position, a classic between a look at how other institutions do it – to ask whether there is any rock and a hard place. If there were one part of his announcement evidence, for example, that by doing it a different way other insti- that I would have changed if I’d been in a position to do so, I would tutions have solved this problem that I think tenure poses; and then have put a time limit on the length of time in which we were going to make a recommendation to me. to explore these roughly 60 stem cell lines that are now going to With respect to the first, I think that we have already begun be available. Put clearly a time when we would revisit the question to make real strides in the diversification of the student body. One and ask: Is it really the case that those lines are sufficient to an- of the things that is going to be announced sometime after Labor swer the basic science questions that I really do believe need to be Day is the impact of the new financial aid policy: what effect it has answered before anybody can think about putting stem cells back had – not on the way in which we accepted students, because, after into people? Now in reality, that’s going to happen anyway, but I all, that had all happened essentially by the time that we had made think it would have had the effect of sort of dulling the concern the announcement – but more importantly, on the kinds of students of the scientists who in large part should have been happy with who have accepted the invitation to come to Princeton. What we this position who worry that 60 stem cell lines are not going to be are really seeing is that the number of low-income students who sufficient. I wrote him rather early in the game; I wrote him back will be here as a result of that has really increased. What it means in May and at that time his position was quite rigid that he was op- is that we are opening the doors of the University to a greater di- posed to using federal funds to study embryonic stem cells. versity, I think, of the really talented students out there, and I think we should be very proud of that. When your time as president is over, how would you like to be remembered, and how will this be reflected in your approach A quick point of clarification: In another interview you said, this coming year? “I would like to think we could begin to attract students with green hair.” What exactly did you mean by that? I am trying very hard not to make any big pronouncements about what my goals are for a few more months until I know a great It is my sense that in part because of history, in part because of deal more. Certainly the simplest answer is to have Princeton be geography, and in part because of public perception of the Univer- considered a better place when I leave than it is now. That I think sity, we probably are not even receiving applications from students reflects a fundamental philosophical agreement that I have with who think I would not only benefit from a Princeton education, President Shapiro, which is no matter how good a place is, it can but would benefit the rest of us who are here. Those are students always be better. The only way you become better is never al- who are, I would say, a little outside the norms, students who are lowing yourself to rest on your laurels or be self-satisfied and to extraordinarily talented in one thing, but not your all-around stu- be always asking: How can we do this better? How can we really dent. Not someone who is going to be in 32 activities and presi- make this a better place? But the precise things that I am interested dent of the student body, although those are wonderful, wonderful in accomplishing, I am not prepared to really make that list yet. students. I think it is worth our while in fact to ask: what do we lose by not having, whether or not we call them “green haired,” This interview was originally published in the September/October which was my metaphor, or slightly unusual students? I would be 2001 issue (Volume XVIII, No. 3) interested in looking into whether we could attract a greater variety of those students.

12 The Princeton Tory May 2009 Special 25th Anniversary Section Why is Junior So Conservative?

Daniel Polisar ‘87

he question “Why is Junior so conser- vative?” has puzzled sociologists and Tpoliticians alike since exit polls from the elections last November revealed that President Reagan fared better among college students than any Republican presidential candidate in the last two decades. Liberals had grown accustomed to looking at univer- sities as bastions of political and intellectual support. After all, it is a time-honored tradi- tion for students to seek out injustice in every landslide and surveys’ showing increasingly conservative views on domestic and foreign policy have changed this perception. It is easy to overemphasize the magni- tude of this shift towards conservatism. Cam- pus Democrats managed to generate substan- tial support for Walter Mondale, and students are overwhelmingly liberal on nuclear policy political and social judgments. has colored interpretation of campus socio- and women’s rights issues. Since the right- […] political trends. The 1960’s and early 1970’s ward shift at universities parallels a trend na- Campus conservatism is also fueled by a were the glory days of student political ac- tionwide, it might easily reverse itself, like desire to go against established norms. In the tivity: riots, sit-ins, sit-downs, teach-ins, the pendulum which is metaphorically used 1960’s and early 1970’s students questioned sleep-ins, draft-card-burning, flag-burning, to represent American political opinion. It authority and fought virulently against the bra-burning, the works. Political activism is certainly ill-advised to overstate the mag- military establishment which led America since then has paled by comparison, while nitude of the shift, but whatever its size, its into Vietnam and against the political estab- students have simultaneously become more causes are worth considering. lishment which brought about the Watergate conservative. The false conclusion has been Various writers have sought to explain scandal. Today, however, liberalism has be- reached that conservatism, by its very nature, why students are no longer as liberal as they come the establishment – of universities, in bespeaks slothfulness and inactivity just as were in days gone by. Most of these explana- the media and in politics. The Reagan Revo- liberalism implies action and involvement. tions have come from self-identified liberals, lution, for all the hoopla about federalism, Thus there is a misconception that students whose writings, not surprisingly, take on the new beginnings and grass-roots change, has are conservative because they are apathetic, form of a lament. The basic thrust of their not altered the basic framework of the Great and conversely. The corollary is that we are argument is that students are more conser- Society. To go against established norms in witnessing the struggle of conservatism ver- vative because they are ignorant, apathetic, the 1980’s, one must either be conservative sus activism. fearful, or self-interested. In other words, or so far left (towards socialism) as to step These misconceptions all stem from the they are conservative because they don’t outside the bounds of the American political notion that something inherent in liberalism know enough or care enough to recognize dialogue. Consequently, conservative activ- sparked the 60’s generation to unprecedented the inherent truth of liberalism, or because ists at universities now turn to George Gilder, levels of political activity. In point of fact, it their “better” instincts have been subverted Ayn Rand and William Buckley, glorying in was the looming presence of the Vietnam to their desire for job security or Sony Walk- how radical these writers are. War, affecting everyone of draftable age, mans. The tacit premise of all of these ex- Viewing conservative students as anti- which proved the greatest spur to activism. planations is that conservatism must be ex- establishment is difficult, particularly for Anti-war and anti-draft sentiment was at the plained the way mental illness must: in terms those journalists who cannot decouple the root of most protests, creating a pool of peo- of pathology and of things unnatural. These association of liberalism and oppositionism, ple who were justifiably angry, frightened and explanations fall short of the mark because which was engraved in their thinking patterns willing to fight back. It makes sense, after all, the authors’ value judgments blind them to during the 1960’s. Similarly, the historical to go to a rally if by doing so you are encour- a multiplicity of factors affecting students’ association between liberalism and activism aging your government not to send you to be

May 2009 The Princeton Tory 13 Special 25th Anniversary Section killed in a foreign country. Admittedly, there failed to effect concrete benefits for the re- sive television coverage, and was discussed were other issues which spurred students on distributees. The failure of the Great Society widely by people of all ages. […]The humili- to protest, but these issues received the atten- to achieve the lofty goals it set for itself has ation of Iran engendered a “Don’t mess with tion they did in large part because students largely stripped liberal economics of its ap- the U.S.” attitude that colors the thinking of were living in an environment made ripe for peal, and the burden of proof now lies on the college students in much the same way that demonstration by overwhelming opposition advocates of higher domestic spending. World War II and Vietnam influenced the to the Vietnam War. Having made the value […] beliefs of people who grew up during those judgment that a protest is more valuable Reinforcing the appeal of fiscal conser- conflicts. The Soviet invasion of Afghani- than spending time studying, many students vatism has been the experience of the last four stan, following on the heels of the hostage found themselves caught up in a plethora of years. In 1981, President Reagan persuaded takeover, shocked Americans into a critical causes. Without the war, universities would Congress to enact legislation which was view of the Soviet Union and severely dam- have been quieter, and liberalism and activ- termed “conservative:” cutting marginal tax aged the notion that the United States and ism would not be inextricably linked in the rates, slowing spending growth for domestic the Soviet Union are moral equals. To many minds of so many people today. programs and increasing defense spending. people who came of political age with Iran Although Jerry Falwell gets the head- Since America is clearly in the midst of an and Afghanistan, a simplified world view lines, it is not the New Right agenda, with economic recovery now, students naturally featured a moral but weak United States and its emphasis on social retrenchment, that has credit fiscal conservatism for the turnaround. a powerful, expansionist Soviet Union. won the allegiance of campus […] conservatives today. The issues Americans are also once most salient to students lie instead again confident of their ability to in the areas of economics and for- influence world events and aid eign policy. Young conservatives fledgling democracies, just as the are rejecting a liberal tradition Soviets aid nations in their ideo- which appears to have failed and logical camp. The Vietnam War embracing a doctrine the practical had engendered an ethic of clean merits of which they can clearly hands, an aversion to being in- see. volved with any nation whose The 1960’s was a period of human rights record was in any economic abundance and opti- way suspect. Many foreign policy mism in America. With wealth all setbacks of the 1970’s are directly around him, and social scientists attributable to this failure to get whispering sweet nothings in his involved. What has emerged is ear, Lyndon Johnson launched the an ethic of consequences, which “War on Poverty.” Like all good focuses on the disadvantages of crusaders, Johnson was convinced United States isolationism and the that the battle would be short and benefits that firm action can have that the heathen would be routed. for democracy in countries like On his side was the “Great Soci- Grenada. Even if governments ety,” an American public altruis- bolstered by American aid are not tic enough to share its growing perfect, they are certainly better wealth in an effort to end poverty. for their people than the alterna- Advances in social science con- tive of Communist rule. Abuses vinced many people that poverty in Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, Collegiate Conservatives were less interested in Falwell’s cause, was eradicable, if only money caring more about economic and foreign policiy issues. Angola and Ethiopia stand as tes- could be targeted by the wisest tament to the horrors of American men of the world, all of whom conveniently Deficit spending and increased consumer inaction and lack of resolve. Since the right lived in Washington or could be moved there demand, solutions right out of Keynesian of the United States to defend certain inter- from Harvard. Twenty years later, these well- economics, are in large part responsible. ests is no longer in question, the existence of intentioned efforts have fallen well short of Economists can demonstrate this rigorously, ROTC has ceased to be a volatile question. their aims. After one trillion dollars of fed- but attitudes about policies stem not so much For similar reasons, CIA recruitment no lon- eral spending, squalor and misery still form from John Galbraith as from bottom-line sta- ger sparks the same antipathy that it used to an unfortunate part of the American social tistics and the simplified explanations which generate. landscape. Confidence in the federal- gov they engender. Another factor which helps account for ernment’s ability to “solve” social problems In foreign policy, there is a similar pat- increasing conservatism among students is a has diminished drastically, as “judicious al- tern of failure of policies associated with lib- growing contentment with the fundamentals location of resources” has become a hollow- eralism where conservative policies appear of American society. In the 1960’s, the as- sounding euphemism for what the man on the to succeed. The Iranian hostage crisis and the sumptions of an entire culture were on trial. street calls “throwing money at problems.” Soviet invasion of Afghanistan are watershed Capitalism, the economic foundation, was Liberals are left holding the proverbial bag, events in political lives of today’s college attacked as being destructive of individual- as their program of redistributing wealth has student. Iran in particular received exten- ity and exploitative of the lower classes.

14 The Princeton Tory May 2009 Special 25th Anniversary Section Business, the concrete manifestation of longer seems as attractive as it once was. The are challenging liberalism directly, instead capitalism, was viewed as monopolistic and day-to-day reality from which drugs provide of ceding the moral high ground without a anti-people. The bourgeois mentality of hard an escape is more palatable than the rather fight. This is extremely important in explain- work and concrete achievement was pigeon- harsh reality of the drug user: overdoses, ing the vitality of campus conservatism, be- holed as materialistic and narrow-minded. physical harm, and mental deterioration. cause the student leaders who form the core In short, almost everything that defined an Both the counterculture and liberalism of the right-of-center movement are in many American identity was in danger of dele- demand constant self-recrimination on the cases ideologues for whom ethical consider- gitimization. This fundamental opposition part of society. Continuous reform presuppos- ations are paramount. It is hard to imagine to the premises on which American society es endless problems, and liberals have more the dedication being maintained if conserva- is built led, not surprisingly, to a demand for than complied by pointing out social illness tism stood only for slower change towards wholesale change: a welfare state, regula- with an enthusiasm previously reserved for liberal goals. tion of business and a relaxing of laws which Old Testament prophets. Every time we feel The lack of an effective liberal spokes- were perceived to embody the man has been compounded by a bourgeois morality of restraint and lack of any real focus to liberalism moderation. The major reason why the coun- in general. As the causes liberal The social complement to spokesmen advance become ever these political demands was that terculture has fallen into disfavor more esoteric, the public is less students severely violated so- likely to rally around any one of cietal mores. Drug use became is that many of the major abuses them. It is more difficult to arouse widespread while sexual activity the ire of the masses over equality became increasingly creative and which spurred its creation have of station than over equality of op- decreasingly monogamous. The been corrected. portunity. Vietnam and the worst search for new and better ways to abuses of racism served as initial escape pressure led to hippies and focus points by which liberalism yippies, to colonies and cults. The inhibitions that justice is ascendant, someone informs us consolidated its strength and from which it that had previously defined social interac- that a closer look will reveal how disgrace- derived an aura of powerful popular sup- tions and personal behavior were, in short, ful we really are. No sooner were Jim Crow port. Without this base of support, liberalism conspicuously absent. laws abolished and enforcement mecha- found that the advocates of conservatism The major reason why this countercul- nisms instituted than equality of opportunity were no longer willing whipping boys. Ayn ture has fallen into disfavor is that many of became obsolete and equality of station was Rand, William Buckley and other conserva- the major abuses which spurred its creation hailed as the only accurate barometer of a so- tive spokesmen began fighting liberals, not have been corrected. Racism, while still ciety’s justness. Since equality of station is as an academic exercise, but to erode the al- prevalent, is neither as pronounced nor as an impossibility, given the differences which ready eroding bastion of liberal support. overt as it was during the 1960’s. Women separate individuals and cultures, the liberal Conservatism’s defense has been all the have achieved rough legal equality and now vision for America affords little opportunity easier because of certain other changes in the their battle is to attain economic parity. The for satisfaction or optimism. political climate. The traditional linkage of Vietnam War is over, so American lives are And while liberalism seems to be chas- social to political issues has prompted rejec- not being sacrificed in a war that is viewed ing after ever more intangible causes, conser- tion of liberalism along with the countercul- as unjust. Politics is a little bit less corrupt af- vatives have in recent years begun to meet ture which accompanied it. The Soviet pres- ter Watergate, so voting is permissible again. objections on moral grounds, particularly in ence in Afghanistan and Poland has restored Bourgeois American democracy doesn’t defending the free market itself. Ayn Rand, credence to conservative claims of Soviet ag- seem too bad once some of its ugliest warts writing in the 1950’s and 1960’s, defended gression. Whatever anti-establishment bias have been removed, and by helping to re- capitalism as the only economic system rests inherently in youth is now directed to- move warts, the counterculture has sown the compatible with individual rights. Seven wards the liberal military-industrial complex. seeds of its own demise. years ago, Irving Kristol and William Simon For better or worse, economic factors play a The counterculture has also been set formed the Institute for Educational Affairs larger role in an economy recently emerged back by a resurgence of social conservatism (IEA), a group dedicated to defending tra- from a recession than in one with continually among students. Traditional institutions such ditional American values. IEA now funds bright forecasts. Though these are not the as marriage are clearly rising in popularity, moderate and conservative magazines, jour- only causes of the rightward shift of college although the role of the two sexes within the nals, and newspapers on college campuses students, they are certainly more important marriage has been irrevocably changed, and nationwide. reasons than ignorance, apathy and fear. for the better. The free love atmosphere and Conservatives used to be in a position alternative lifestyle orientations of the 1960’s of saying that liberalism is right in theory but did not produce nirvana, but led instead to in- does not work in practice, or that liberals are securities and a high divorce rate. Collegians correct about goals but unwise in choosing This article was originally published in the today are discovering that the American tra- means. Redistribution of wealth, for example, March 1985 issue (Vol. 1, Issue 4). dition of a strong family is grounded in a sol- was praised as a principle and criticized as a id understanding of human nature, and is not practical approach. By asserting that capital- just the result of a bourgeois aberration. Sim- ism is the economic system which best guar- ilarly, the use of “mind-expanding” drugs no antees individual freedom, conservatives

May 2009 The Princeton Tory 15 Special 25th Anniversary Section The First Decade of the Tory: 1984-1994 tors who cared, but did not know about what. Offended by posters’ Alexander G. Sherman ‘97 condemnation of the C.I.A., Fay staged a counter-demonstration, right next to the original one. During the course of the day, Fay discovered istorians often fit their material into neat packages of centu- that though his opponents were passionate, they were not “cerebral.” ries or decades. With this issue, the Tory will do the same as He learned that they had not taken the time to evaluate their anti-C.I.A. Hit boasts of one decade on campus. But, sadly enough, the claims and had protested in ignorance of the facts. Fay rightly found founders did not have the foresight to align the Tory with any par- this misplaced indignation even more horrifying than the standard ticular decade. Many early issues combine topics that still provoke lack of concern. Some students obviously had too much free time. heated debates in 1994 with those that appear as ancient history. For […] example, an issue from 1984 discusses large nuclear defense strate- In his own definition of apathy, Peter Heinecke challenges the gies and attacks abortion. In another issue, an essay on the legality of common assumption that conservatives are not political activists, all-male eating clubs follows a diatribe on the inefficiency of the Uni- that they do not care about the world around them. Instead, Heinecke versity Student Government. Remarkably, the Tory offered solutions argues, conservatives tend to express their views in different ways. ten years ago to problems that still plague Princetonians. A conservative political activist is more likely to write an intelligent The most pressing and incessant problem that the Tory faces does piece defending his ideas than to march on the president’s office. This not bother the rest of the campus. The staff must know the goals of the train of thought still continues at the Tory. In the journal’s tenth year, Tory before beginning to write, or the issues will not form a coherent Nick Maynard wrote an article that claimed caring belonged to no one whole. Readers, on the other hand, have only to pick up and read. Each part of the political spectrum: another example that the Tory’s ideas year the staff struggles to choose a direction for the volume. Without and arguments have continued for over a decade in new and changing a purpose, the Tory avoids disintegration and achieves unity through a forms. high standard of rigorous argumentation for each article. In addition, Another ever-present problem is race relations. In the past, most of the staff leans toward a conservative viewpoint. However, Tory writers were concerned with the effects of the then-new Third effective writing, not ideology, World Center and the now-new is the prime requisite for Tory Center for Jewish Life on the writers. Because the Tory seeks primarily to ar- campus racial climate... Sev- In the beginning, this iden- eral different writers argued tity was not evident. Although gue conservatism rationally rather than that such fortresses for ethnic dedicated to good debate, the preach an ideology, the Tory does not groups would encourage self- staff was unsure what conser- segregation among students. vative meant. Ten years later, need to obsess with the definition itself. It Rather than mixing and profit- this elusive definition still - re ing from Princeton’s prized di- mains hazy. Too often the term was this attitude that led Dinesh D’Souza versity, students would scurry conservative is confused with into more comfortable and apathetic or elitist. For this in 1986 to call the Tory “too cerebral.” homogeneous groups of their reason—and to clear up the own accord. confusion of the staff itself—at least one article each year is devoted As these articles were being written, the Los Angeles riots oc- to defining conservatism. Nonetheless, because theTory seeks primar- curred, and Princeton administrators feared incipient repercussions on ily to argue conservatism rationally rather than preach an ideology, the the campus. An inter-racial coordinator was appointed and a study Tory does not need to obsess with the definition itself. It was this atti- commissioned. Now, the recent report by the Vice Provost suggests tude that led Dinesh D’Souza in 1986 to call the Tory “too cerebral.” that race is still a salient issue on the Princeton campus. The contin- […] ued presence of the Ombudsman implies race relations are as bad as Perhaps because of this commitment to serious thought, Tory ever. In the most recent issue, publisher Marc Allen revisited this mat- staffers are so horrified by the apathy they perceive among fellow ter and reformulated the Tory’s earlier stance. Race is not the most Princetonians. Not thinking at all about an issue is sinful to those who pressing problem on campus. And, as the Tory predicted, the Third care so much about finding truth. In each volume, a writer laments the World Center and similar organizations have contributed to the self- negligence that appears so consistently that it might well be another segregation of minority students. But its is beneath the Tory to say, Princeton tradition. Princetonians themselves have done nothing to “We told you so.” care more, despite the numerous indictments. Some Tory writers have Gender relations have also supplied Tory writers with a constant argued that Princetonians simply do not have enough time to care; flow of material. Most notably, the Tory has more than a few times they are already committed to many other activities. Although this examined the proper conduct of the sexually active on campus. From statement may be true, it cannot justify insouciance. In an interest- safe sex to date rape to images of beauty, the articles have run the gam- ing twist, John Fay recounted his run-in with Princeton demonstra- ut. Predictably enough, the conservative staff has urged abstinence for

16 The Princeton Tory May 2009 Special 25th Anniversary Section several years. In the past, writers assumed this stance as a response to tion question. Rather than examining the morality of the act itself, the problems of pregnancy, venereal disease, immorality, and AIDS. which is eternally debatable, she turned to the effects. Looking beyond The Tory published articles which refuted all solutions to these prob- the individual act, Meaney saw the social repercussions of widespread lems, except abstinence from sexual intercourse. Contraception, the abortion—eugenics. Citing statistics from around the world, Meaney usual recourse of college students, has its obvious faults. Besides the demonstrated how legalization of abortion and social pressures might, unreliability of drunken students, most forms of contraception fail at quite possibly, lead to a resurrection of Nazi ideals. When the society one time or another. The University has adopted a policy, in recent as a whole ceases to allow “undesirables” to be born, the concept of years, of educating the students in these various forms of contracep- a “master race” is suddenly not very far off. Fearing the evil of such tion. However, no amount of education could force the contraception genetic pruning, Meaney sought to eradicate the problem at its root by to be absolutely effective. Therefore, the Tory urges abstinence, the banning abortion. most sure prevention of pregnancy and AIDS. Two volumes later, Danielle Allen developed another feminist In addition to practical arguments, writers have offered the moral critique of abortion. She looked around and saw many feminist or- condemnations of contraception. Seen in this light, the University ganizations fighting so that women’s will and power to decide to be policy is actually offensive to the recognized. Everywhere, women large percentage of the student combated the stereotype of the body that is religious. Comments flitty woman who lacks conviction in this direction from letters to the The Tory has repeatedly censured and the will-power to abide by her editors served to strengthen the decision. But Allen perceived a Tory’s position. the University Student Government great hypocrisy in the feminist Most recently, the major con- for ineffectiveness, misguided ex- agenda: abortion, which feminists cern on campus has not been AIDS advocate, is the ultimate form of but date rape. Brian Tvenstrup ac- penditures, and corruption. Despite indecision. Women, Allen argues, cepted the challenge of confront- make a commitment when they ing this important issue. He wrote the clear explanations of the USG’s choose to become pregnant, and an eloquent and convincing article faults, no changes have occurred. they tacitly assume responsibility which offered an old solution to a for this decision. Advocating and newly recognized problem. The even encouraging abortions sug- University policy of sex education is ineffective, Tvenstrup argues; as gest that women do not have the mental capacities to make a worthy proof, he offers the statistics of consistent rape and date rape, despite decision; they must always keep a back door open so they can retreat the counseling. The only solution which remains is abstinence. He vacillating. Allen rejects abortion because it refutes women’s ability to concludes that the University must educate the students in all methods make an unequivocal decision. of prevention, including chastity. No amount of guidance will eradi- […] cate date rape unless the University advocates and encourages absti- In contrast to the many different approaches to one problem, the nence as the best way to avoid conflicts between the genders. Interest- Tory has also offered the same solution to the same problem several ingly enough, the Tory has used one piece of advice as an unchanging times. Dealing with campus issues, morality and philosophy fade from yet effective solution to an evolving problem. the spotlight. Instead, the problems are of a more practical and mate- The issues of gender relations is not confined to sexual activity, rial nature. For example, the Tory has repeatedly censured the Univer- but runs into the processes of language and communication as well. sity Student Government for ineffectiveness, misguided expenditures, As political correctness swept across the campus, some were affronted and corruption. Despite the clear explanations of the USG’s faults, no by the rehauling of the American language. Challenging the more and changes have occurred. Nine years ago, the Tory devoted an article to more common notion that exclusionary language inhibits excellent illuminating the USG’s misguided attempts to improve student life. academic achievement by women, Thayer Scott wrote a humorous Clearly, the members of the student government did not take the time yet convincing parody of political correctness. In concluding, Scott to peruse this article, for similar articles appear each year thereafter. expressed feeling sensed by many on campus: “To endlessly refute But writers at the Tory have not lost hope. In the last issue, Maynard and correct those curmudgeons is tiresome and tests the patience of continued the sad reproaches. Though the Tory had resigned itself to even the most tolerant and understanding of us, for they have become bringing the old litany of charges to light, this year the faults wore a so utterly predictably.” Political correctness is exhausting and, he ul- different face. For example, in the past, the USG was attacked for not timately shows, neither substantially changes circumstances nor is representing the student body to the administration on the issue of co- possible to effect. He argues instead that the notion that language is ed clubs. This year, Maynard accused the USG of not only misunder- responsible for oppression of women or minorities is ludicrous: ef- standing the students’ views on the proposed student center, but also forts for reform must be focused elsewhere. of acting unethically. Will repetition rectify these faults? Another area to which the Tory continually returns is abortion. The USG members are not the only ones to disregard the Tory; In the past decade, the Tory has published nine articles condemning for years, this journal has been declaiming the problems of the exces- abortion without once repeating itself. Each writer brings new insight sive drinking which occurs in the eating clubs. In past issues, writers to this issue, finding new reasons to oppose abortion. Arguments have have speculated about the motivations for so many students drinking included the stock statements of religious or scientific proof that life themselves into McCosh each year. In 1988, Tom Cuniff compared begins at conception. When departing from such familiar ground, The Street to Russian roulette. With this deadly metaphor, he attempt- writers have had to rely more on the strength of their reasoning than ed to scare readers into moderation. on tradition. […] In volume six, Mary Meaney offered a new approach to the abor- Later writers, taking up his encouragement of moderation, ad-

May 2009 The Princeton Tory 17 LAST WORD vocated drinking, but not to extremes. In one article, The Princetonian was condemned for its coverage of initiations. The daily pa- per focused on violations of the twenty-one The Silver drinking law. With this standard, reporters attacked equally clubs that had sent initiates to McCosh and those who had responsibly mandated moderation. The Tory sought to distinguish between breaking the law and Anniversary acting irresponsibly, perhaps a line of mo- rality too fine for the daily paper. -Accept Why Morality Has Always ing that college students drink, this journal tried to temper their actions by appealing to Mattered (and Always Will) Princetonians’ sense to encourage them to act moderately. To achieve this moderation, the debate. But has it always been this way? Tory praised those clubs which had respon- Brandon McGinley ‘10 A first glance strongly suggests that sible alcohol policies, regardless of the age of this focus on social conservatism is a new the drinkers, and reproached those which ad- have argued, in a previous edition phenomenon. I often tell interested people vocated immoderate inebriation, even if the of this segment (“The Blank Slate,” that collegiate conservatives tend to be culprit was twenty-one. IDecember 2008), that the future of the more passionate and active in the realm of This policy of urging moderation led national conservative movement will be social issues because these are the con- to further articles which examined the role decided to a large degree in America’s uni- cerns that bear most directly on our lives as of drinking at Princeton. Several different versities – institutions like Princeton. The students. We are neither tangibly affected writers agreed that lowering the drinking age Tory has been both an integral part of and a by nor can possibly hope to influence would actually help the situation. One writer perceptive commenter on the conservative decisions of an economic or foreign policy suggested that the age be chosen so that all movement at this university for the last 25 nature. On the other hand, we find our- college students fall on one side or the other years. The occasion of this commemora- selves living every day in a culture steeped of the line. In this way, he hoped to unite the tive issue and the reprinting of some classic in the libertinism of the countercultural era. campus with either less drinking or responsi- Tory articles provide a great opportunity to It is tangible to every college student; it ble attitudes toward drinking. Another writer examine the past and the future of Princ- effects our social perceptions and lifestyles; suggested that the age be lowered to remove eton’s conservative cadre through the and, because of its immediateness, campus the allure of breaking the law. Another writer, perceptive lens of this publication. activism promises at least the potential to as well, moved for the alteration of the drink- The classic commentaries presented in effect change. ing age. He argued that, if all Princetonians this issue, hailing from the first and tenth And yet, roughly 25 years ago, Daniel could drink in the Student Center and in volumes of the Tory, are like intellectual Polisar ’87 wrote of Princeton conservative town bars, the clubs would lose their impor- time capsules, providing views of Princeton culture that “it is not the New Right agenda, tance as centers for alcoholism. In bars, the conservatism at two moments in time. Fur- with its emphasis on social retrenchment, price of beer would force moderation. In the thermore, however, these articles are part of that has won the allegiance of campus con- clubs, the excitement would be gone, and so an ongoing conservative narrative on this servatives today. The issues most salient to students would act more rationally and tem- and other campuses, a narrative to which students lie instead in the areas of econom- per themselves willingly. Despite the Tory’s the Tory has borne witness for two and a ics and foreign policy.” This statement is continued efforts to propagate moderation, half decades. These moments in time do so strikingly different from today’s campus Princeton students still drink themselves into not and cannot stand isolated; they both re- conservatism as to be startling. We see oblivion weekly. quire and provide context, a context which through Polisar’s work a far more policy- Although the good results of the Tory’s we, as the modern conservative movement oriented conservatism than that which suggestions on various issues, from race rela- at Princeton, are living. invigorates campus debate today. This is tions to drinking to sex education, may not One of these moments in time is, in- not to say that such issues do not interest land on the front page of the Prince, the Tory deed, today. And today’s issue of the Tory modern Princeton conservatives; rather has still fulfilled its purpose. It has helped contains another insightful commentary, an- they are incidental to a movement which Princeton students organize their thoughts other intellectual time capsule, in the article is driven by and finds purpose in cultural into coherent articles available for others to “The Importance of Social Conservatism” issues. view and ponder. Tory writers can rest happi- by Bobby Marsland ’11. In arguing that Polisar describes a conservatism ly for they know that the campus monthly re- the cultural side of the conservative move- which is most comfortable in the Woodrow ceives the journal and cannot help responding ment, particularly opposition to abortion Wilson School and the Department of Eco- to the provocative articles contained within. and same-sex marriage, is both demanded nomics, whereas today’s movement finds by conservative principles and vital to con- its home in the departments of Politics, servative success, Marsland represents one Philosophy, and Classics. Polisar’s conser- This article was originally published in the strand of Princeton conservatism, a stand vatism takes its cues from Friedman, Rand, April 1994 Issue (Vol. X, No. 7) which I contend is currently dominant, at and Buckley whereas the current movement least in its influence on campus political finds sustenance in Aristotle, Aquinas, and,

18 The Princeton Tory May 2009 LAST WORD well, Buckley as well. deeply cultural conser- Despite this appar- vatism. The motiva- ent shift in focus, the tions of individual con- fundamental nature of servative students have Princeton conservatism changed with the times, may not have shifted as from Reagan’s 1980s to drastically as it might the age of Obama, but seem. the desire to construct a Polisar credited thoroughly intellectual, part of the resurgence thoroughly moral con- of collegiate conser- servatism with the tools vatism in his era on a provided and required willingness “to meet by the academy – ideas objections on moral and arguments – has grounds.” Although it remained constant engaged liberalism on and will always set different intellectual Princeton conservatism battlefields than today, apart from its colle- this older generation giate counterparts. It of campus conserva- is indeed this aspect of tives was shifting the the Tory’s personality terms of the debate What’s next for the Tory and conservatism on campus? Expect more moral discourse. that prompted Dinesh towards a discussion D’Souza in 1986 to of values and first principles, presaging the today identify with the clichéd “culture label it “too cerebral” – a moniker that the moral philosophical focus of today’s social war.” Peering through the lens of the Tory, Tory holds with pride to this day. conservative movement. Indeed, Bobby Princeton has been, at least for the past 25 This commemorative issue of the Tory Marsland’s definition of conservatism years, an intellectual haven for a particular has afforded us, as the modern conservative proposed in this issue of the Tory, that “the sort of conservative. In the vernacular, we movement at Princeton, an engaging oppor- state exists to allow individuals to flour- could dub this type “culture warriors,” but tunity to look back at out political and intel- ish through free and responsible activity,” this shortchanges them. Princeton conser- lectual lineage. What we discover is that can be seen as the ultimate fulfillment of vatism, as exemplified by the history of Princeton conservatism has always been the conservative project in moral thinking this magazine, has been and continues to uniquely motivated by moral concerns, by explained 25 years earlier in the pages of be motivated by a desire to bring the full a desire to apply distinctly moral thinking the same publication. intellectual force of the academy to bear to the most significant issues of our time. Furthermore, an examination of in defense of those moral values which are That this approach has not been discarded, Alexander Sherman ‘97’s article on the considered “traditional.” but has been solidified over time is a sign tenth anniversary of the Tory suggests that As 25 years have passed since the Tory of its salience, of its success, and of the fact Polisar’s analysis of the motivations behind first went to print, these moral values have that the Tory, arm in arm with its coun- campus conservatism was flawed, or at been increasingly under siege both inside terparts in the conservative community at least had been quickly overtaken by time. and outside of the academy. At the time of Princeton, continues to make true progress A significant portion of Sherman’s synopsis the founding of this publication, issues of towards a more perfect society, one which of ten years of Tory writings is dedicated society and culture were subordinated to remembers the moral foundations on which to precisely those culturally conservative the more interesting policy discussions of it is constructed. issues which Marsland identifies as so im- the era. Over time the salience of those cul- portant to the movement. The Tory, despite tural issues which are related most closely it name, which suggests a more genteel to traditional moral values has increased at libertarianism, has traditionally presented an exponential rate, and so the intellectual Brandon McGinley is a junior major- a consistently strong front in opposition to force of campus conservatism has been ing in Politics from Pittsburgh, PA. He abortion and in favor of traditional sexual increasingly focused in that direction. Any is Editor-in-Chief for the Tory. ethics. It is fascinating that only fifteen serious analysis of Princeton conservatism years ago the Tory proudly trumpeted its would be incomplete, of course, without pro-abstinence stance, a position which noting the influence of Professor Robert today attracts ridicule and scorn to the George on this recommitment to a full- only secular campus organization which bodied intellectual defense of traditional explicitly advocates for such values – the values. Anscombe Society. And so, despite the differences appar- Princeton conservatism, it seems ent in Daniel Polisar’s account of campus then, has always been to a large degree conservatism in the first volume of the preoccupied with issues of morality, and Tory, we can see in its pages the seeds of in particular with those issues that we today’s deeply moral, deeply philosophical,

May 2009 The Princeton Tory 19 Attention all Tory staffers, contributors and friends! Join US! The Tory’s 25th Anniversary Event

• Featuring Professor Robert George on “Conservatism and Princeton” • Hear from Tory leaders from past and present • Brunch Included

Saturday, May 30 10AM to 12PM Princeton Tower Club 13 Prospect Avenue

RSVP today at www.princetontory.com!