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8 ix ACKNOWLEDGMENTS It would be quite difficult to identify for appropriate recognition every contributor to my thoughts and rumination regarding a subject that has been on my mind for so many years. Here I acknowledge the most direct or substantial contributions. My colleague Fred Baumann analyzed early drafts with great care, commenting incisively upon weaknesses and raising questions I had left unexplored. No doubt deficiencies remain, but fewer of them than would have existed without Fred. My colleague Kirk Emmert also read this manuscript thoughtfully and offered useful suggestions that I have acted upon. Moreover, I am the beneficiary of Kirk’s persistent interest in and encouragement of the project. These specific acknowledgments cannot convey everything that is owed to my friends, including the effect upon me of innumerable lively conversations over the years on subjects related to moderation and immoderation in political and moral life. I also wish to thank Professor Pamela Jensen for many such conversations, and I appreciate the indispensable work of Jalene Fox in preparation of the manuscript. My friend and counselor Jack Finefrock has been extremely helpful with regard to publication considerations. Finally, this book has benefited greatly from the insightful attention lavished upon it by Casey Blaine of Baylor University Press. Casey’s editorial work exemplifies that x / Acknowledgments rare combination of stringent expectation and genial inspiration that is the hallmark of a fine editor. As for long-term influences upon this project, it is important to recognize my teacher and revered mentor, the late Herbert Storing. As Herb’s students well know, he was a model of intellectual integrity and of the virtues that moderation can embody. And to my wife Margaret, who has been so supportive in this and other literary ventures, and so tolerant of my (sometimes immoderate) moods, I am more appreciative than it is possible to express in a few, or even in many, words. ...

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