The abstractions and universals EJ Dionne so airily dismisses with such contempt are called principles. Its impossible to develop a political train of thought without them. The coherence of ideology is what gives political life its light, color and vitality.
Surrounding Obamacare, the debate is really about who we trust: the overbearing hand of government or the sovereign judgment of the free individual. In quoting Burke, Dionne gives no consideration to the philosophies that shape the different views of how health care should be treated. And he who through his reason, refuses to apprehend them, in Burke’s words, indeed labors for the ruin of his country forever.
That is not a fate I wish for America.