{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 71 \u2013 Exploring Burke with Wes Siler","description":"The 18th century British statesman Edmund Burke is often credited as being the father of modern conservatism.  His most famous work\u2014Reflections on the Revolution in France\u2014is heralded as the most eloquent counter-revolutionary political text ever written and lays much of the foundation for the conservative mindset of the West.  Yet Burke is challenging to read and comprehend.  His 18th century prose and deeply complex arguments seem otherworldly in an era of bumper-sticker political slogans and surface-level philosophy.   Russell Kirk\u2014perhaps Burke\u2019s greatest American disciple\u2014wrote of Burke: \u201cIf conservatives would know what they defend, Burke is their touchstone; and if radicals wish to test the temper of their opposition, they should turn to Burke.  Having done this, some conservatives may find that their previous footing was insecure; while some radicals may acknowledge that the position of traditionalists is tenable, or that Burke, too, was a liberal\u2014if liberalism be in any degree associated with ordered freedom.\u201d   In this episode, Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis is joined by Wes Siler to introduce the audience to Burke\u2019s teachings and attempt to demystify his complex and foundational thoughts.   Wes Siler is the founder and Director of The Burkean Conservative, a website, social media presence, and video platform that produces content focused on educating and expanding the conservative movement on the basis of Edmund Burke's principles.  You can follow The Burkean Conservative on Twitter @TheBurkeanCon   ","author_name":"Saving Elephants | Millennials defending & expressing conservative values","author_url":"https:\/\/www.savingelephantsblog.com\/","html":"