the influence of Catholic social teaching on his thought. However, he does much more; he presents real substantive ideas, rooted in the principles derived from that teaching, in a readable and engaging book which is a breath of fresh air in a stagnant political landscape. "It Takes a family: Conservatism and the Common Good" presents a governing vision for the future of this Nation.

"The author clearly understands the essential relationship between solidarity, (the truth that we are indeed our brothers keeper and that we have an obligation to the needy), and the application of the principle of subsidiarity, an ordering principle which encourages good governance by recognizing the vital role of the family and the mediating associations and institutions as participating in that governance, starting from below, at the smallest level first.

"He does not fall prey to the trend in some "conservative" circles to reject the right role of government, or the tendency in some "liberal" circles to exalt its federalized version and move from the top down in its application. Rather, he presents what I would call a vision of "good governance", good in its moral foundation and good in its practical application."

"...The framework for a governing vision set forth in this fine book is built upon the author's discussion of different types of "capital"; social, economic, moral, cultural and intellectual and how together they can serve the common good. In fact, the subtitle of the book is extremely important, because this entire vision for a truly free and virtuous society is tied to his excellent presentation of the classical vision of the common good.

"The issues that we currently face -and their solutions - cannot be easily labeled as "liberal" or "conservative", "left" or "right". They concern how we will define our future and whether we will have one. Our age cries out for a new political vocabulary and a new generation of public servants who truly care and understand the hour in which we live.

"...We have heard few new ideas concerning our obligations in solidarity with the poor and needy. In fact, we have often failed to hear their cry. This book presents many. We have experienced an erosion of the moral foundation of our social order, as we fail to protect the place of marriage and the family as the first vital cell of society.

"The authors' discussion of how to create a family friendly public policy which promotes fidelity and encourages motherhood, fatherhood and intact families is well thought out and practical. It could develop into an entire public policy agenda and platform for the next election. But, it will take a leader who can both articulate a vision and help to implement it.

"There are many voices pointing out the failures of government but few voices articulating a vision for good governance. We desperately need true leaders, intelligent men and women of conviction and courage, who will impart such a vision and help us to build a better Nation.It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good" is a manifesto for a new kind of politics. It presents a compelling vision for building a future of true freedom by building a culture of life, family, freedom and solidarity.

"When liberalism loses its soul, it becomes libertinism. When conservatism loses its soul, it becomes libertarianism. This book proclaims liberty. It does more than critique what is wrong; it proposes a path to a brighter future. It is a must read for anyone who cares about this nation and our future together. I hope that it is widely read and that its insights form an agenda for governing. Then, it will take a leader."

Rick Santorum, like some good red wines, has only gotten better as the years have passed. The ideas he is espousing on the 2012 campaign trail reflect the maturing of the fine seeds which were set forth in that book.  

Are the ideas which inform many of his positions rooted in the fertile ground of his Catholic identity? Yes, they are Ann Coulter. However, Catholic Social teaching exists for this very purpose. Our Church is not directly involved in politics. She does not embrace any particular economic theory.

However, the Catholic Church often says of herself that she is an "expert in humanity". In that vein she offers principles which she then encourages her sons and daughters to offer to the whole of society in their exercise of faithful citizenship - for the sake of the common good.

Catholics like me believe that these principles really do serve the common good of the society. Rick Santorum is simply being a faithful Catholic, a good citizen and a compelling Presidential candidate by offering ideas informed by these and other principles in his campaign. He is doing more than just mouthing conservative talking points. 

For example, in the economic arena, his positions demonstrate that he understands that economics is not in the first instance, only about capital - it is about human persons. A truly free economic system recognizes that freedom is a good of the person. Only human persons can be free because we are capable of making free choices.

We need a President who understands the vital role of moral values in the economic order. A truly free market economy should help to support the family, foster ingenuity, provide incentive, promote and reward creativity and innovation, expand participation, provide for private ownership, and foster human flourishing and advancement.

All of what I have written over the years on economic and public policy issues is not about my being a "conservative". Nor is it based on conservative talking points. It is based on Catholic Social thought. It is an example of my own efforts as a Catholic Christian to be a faithful citizen and engage in political participation according to first principles.

That is part of the reason that the ideas and positions espoused by candidate rick Santorum have so much appeal to this Catholic and many more like me. They also appeal to many other Christians as well as many other people of faith and good will.

Santorum spoke before the debut of the documentary film "The Gift of Life" and showed this moral consistency. He spoke of the connection between big government and the breakdown of the first government, the family:

"(I)f family and moral values break down, government gets bigger and bigger. Social issues are central to every issue we deal with in America. Unless we get the moral issues right, we will never get the economic and foreign policy issues right."

Reiterating his unwillingness to compromise on the "social issues" and only address economic issues he sounded the theme of his campaign - they are connected.  He again rejected the calls to enter into a "truce" on social issues saying, "It is surrender, not a truce. Under a Santorum presidency, there will be no surrender."
 
The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued an instruction entitled a "Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life." It called upon Catholics to be "morally coherent" in the exercise of their citizenship and in public office. Former Senator Rick Santorum understands this call to moral coherence.

Ann Coulter's  criticism of Rick Santorum for being "more of a Catholic than a Conservative" makes me want to do even more to help people come to understand his positions. You see, I consider myself more of a Catholic than a Conservative.

As for Ann Coulter, while she continues her act as a conservative political gadfly, more and more people are beginning to pay attention to Rick Santorum.