May 4, 2009 12:00 PM
“If I were required to guess off-hand, and without collusion with higher minds, what is the bottom cause of the amazing material and intellectual advancement of the last fifty years, I should guess that it was the modern-born and previously non-existent disposition on the part of men to believe that a new idea can have value.”
Mark Twain, A Majestic Literary Fossil, 1890
When Missouri’s favorite son wrote those words in 1890, he was “celebrating” the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Dictionary of Medicine. “For three generations and a half,” Twain wrote, “(the Dictionary of Medicine) had been going quietly along, enriching the earth with its slain.”
At The Missouri Record, we feel the same way about old media which, for the past three generations and a half, has been roaring loudly, buying ink by the barrel and paper by the forest. We believe it is time for a Missouri political publication focused on ideas and substantive dialogue rather than the horse-race styled, process-dominated tone of the old media or the rumors, innuendo, and partisanship of rabid bloggers.
We embark on this endeavor with a few core principles in mind:
First, as previously stated, we believe in the primacy of ideas. While stories on process and personalities certainly have their place, the future of our state depends more on the ingredients of our public policy than the name of the chef.
(Story continues below.)
Second, we follow in Missouri’s proud tradition of skepticism to grandiose schemes, regardless of origin. Like Congressman Willard Vandiver, frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies us. We are from Missouri. You have got to show us.
Third, our intent is to create a publication neither conservative nor liberal, Republican nor Democrat. No idea is valid by the simple chance that it has a D or an R attached to it. Though The Missouri Record is founded by writers with a center-right worldview, we welcome contributions from all sides of the political spectrum.
Fourth, just as we believe public officials should be held accountable for their words and deeds, so too do we believe that public commentators should stand up for their own words. As such, The Missouri Record will not allow publication by pseudonym.
If you agree with these core principles, support us by coming back often. If you would like to contribute to our publication, please contact us. We welcome contributions from those who see the world in different, but informed perspectives.
Jay Barnes is an attorney, Realtor, and writer from Jefferson City, Missouri. He has previously served as General Counsel for the President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate, Policy Counsel and Chief Speechwriter for Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, and Policy Director on Kenny Hulshof's 2008 campaign for governor.
No idea is valid by the simple chance that it has a D or an R attached to it.
