Edmund Burke Society
The Edmund Burke Society is an organization that was founded at Columbia in 2009. It is loosely modeled after traditional notions of the 18th-century [gentlemen's club], as a response to nouveau riche culture. Society meetings, as well as membership, are secret.
Surprisingly, the society is approved by Columbia's Student Governing Board, for reasons unknown. Perhaps it is recognized for its members' academic pursuits, which include the preservation of Western tradition and philosophic debate.
Contents
History
The Edmund Burke Society is founded on the principles set forth by Edmund Burke (1729-1797), the father of conservative philosophy and politics. Burke was a prominent Anglo-Irish statesman, a proponent of the American Revolution, and an opponent of the French Revolution. His letter, Reflections on the Revolution in France, is critical to understanding his social and political views, and is required reading for Contemporary Civilization classes. Burke's thoughts on the preservation of local tradition mirror members' interests.
Members
The Edmund Burke Society is known to tap prominent Columbia College scholars, with a preference for those with strong international political associations, as well as those with distinct philosophical views. Specific criteria is unknown; however, a very limited number of students are tapped each year.
Incidents
The Edmund Burke Society is rumored to have recruited (paid?) minority students to flyer the halls of the main campus with posters that read "Redeunt Saturnia Regna", its motto in Latin.
It is rumored that members wear (Burke?) pins or other symbols on meeting days.
