Firing Lane

Election Scales: Pre-Debate Preponderance of Prognosturbating

In this episode of Firing Lane, Croaky breaks down the highly anticipated 2024 Trump vs. Harris debate, providing sharp analysis, witty commentary. From the economic showdown to foreign policy clashes, Croaky unpacks the key moments and assesses which candidate can sway the all-important independent voters. Tune in for a unique, in-depth take on the debate that cuts through the noise with clarity and humor.

Apocryphal Apocalypses and a Long View of Conservatism

The New Federalists are playing the long game. We’re not interested in momentary victories that come at the expense of principles, instead focused in reinforcing and applying those principles. We’re interested in rebuilding this conservative movement from the ground up

Conservatism Looking Backwards To Go Forward Against The Populist Tide

In this episode of Firing Lane, Croaky Caiman takes on the myth that not voting for either major candidate is a betrayal of conservatism. Diving deep into the core principles of the New Federalist movement, Croaky dismantles the shallow arguments of populism and electoral tribalism. With his signature wit, he explores why true conservatism values moral order, personal responsibility, and a long-term cultural strategy over short-term electoral wins. Rejecting both Trumpism and Harris, this episode challenges listeners to think beyond the ballot box and focus on rebuilding conservatism from its intellectual foundations. Tune in for a thoughtful, principle-driven conversation on the future of conservatism.

Croaky’s Crusade: Rediscovering the Federalist Foundations

In the grand tapestry of American history, the Federalists occupy a place of immense importance, woven deeply into the fabric of our nation’s founding principles. They weren’t just a political faction; they were the intellectual architects of a system designed to balance liberty with order, ambition with prudence. As New Federalists, we honor their legacy, drawing inspiration from their vision to restore and preserve the principles they held dear.Who Were the Federalists?The Federalists were the champions of the U.S. Constitution, a group of thinkers and statesmen who, in the late 18th century, recognized the need for a strong yet balanced national government. Key figures included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. These were not mere politicians; they were statesmen, philosophers, and, dare I say, the intellectual heavyweights of their time.The Federalist Papers: Intellectual Heavy LiftingThe Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays penned under the pseudonym "Publius," are perhaps the most significant contributions to political thought in American history. Written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, these essays were not just propaganda to sell the Constitution to a skeptical public; they were profound meditations on governance, human nature, and the mechanics of a republic.The Core Beliefs of the FederalistsThey argued for a strong central government essential for the security and stability of the newly independent states. They understood that power corrupts, and thus, the Constitution needed to include mechanisms to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. They championed a system where power is divided between national and state governments and favored a republic where elected representatives would govern in the best interest of the people.Why the New Federalists?We, as modern Burkean conservatives, choose to align ourselves with the Federalist moniker because we see the same perils they did and share their commitment to a balanced, prudent approach to governance. We look to the Federalists’ intellectual rigor as a model, strive to balance liberty and order, and champion local governance and federalism as bulwarks against the overreach of centralized authority.Carrying the TorchAs New Federalists, we are not just adopting a name; we are embracing a legacy. We stand for the principles that Hamilton, Madison, and Jay articulated so powerfully. We believe in a government that is strong enough to govern but constrained enough to protect liberty. We value thoughtful, principled debate over populist rhetoric and seek to restore the balance, prudence, and wisdom that have been the hallmarks of American conservatism.

Croaky Gun Slinging Against the Virtue Signalers: A Constitutional Showdown

Second Amendment rights vs Gun Control Grandstanding

Pawns & Propaganda: How Influencers Got Checkmated by the Kremlin

In this explosive episode of Firing Lane, we dive into the recent Department of Justice revelations that several prominent Con Inc influencers were unknowingly paid by Kremlin-backed operatives to spread Russian propaganda. From influencers like Tim Pool and Benny Johnson crying victimhood to the larger implications for modern conservatism, we break down how emotional populism left these influencers vulnerable to manipulation.
We'll explore how a $10 million scheme through Tenet Media funneled Kremlin cash to promote narratives that aligned with Russia’s goals, particularly around sowing discord over Ukraine. The influencers, unknowingly acting as pawns, played right into Moscow’s hands—all while cashing huge checks. This scandal highlights a broader issue within conservatism today: the shift from substantive principles to shallow outrage and emotional manipulation, leaving the movement open to exploitation by bad actors.
We’ll also talk about the historical parallels to Soviet disinformation tactics and why it’s time for conservatism to return to its intellectual roots of prudence, liberty, and moral order before it’s completely co-opted by reactionary populism.
Catch all the biting commentary, satire, and facts in this must-listen episode

Why Conservatism Needs Substance

Croaky has a great discussion about the history of conservatism, influencers, and Con, Inc on a space with other contributors to the conversation.

Populist Waves Crash, but Conservatism Endures: The Case Against “Con Inc”

Article read from 9/4/24

Out of the Fire: DeSantis, Leadership, and the Coming Conservative Renaissance

This is an article reading about Ron DeSantis as the model for conservative leadership and how we forge our way forward to bring conservatism back to the Republican Party.

Tall Poppies and TransCons: The Struggle for True Conservative Leadership

I’ve noticed a schism in the modern conservative movement between two distinct groups: what I’ll call Traditional Conservatives (TradCons) and their disingenuous counterparts, the Transitory, Transitional and often Transactional Conservatives (TransCons). Enjoy.