The danger facing U.S. conservatism
I consider myself a conservative. I get along well with libertarians but couldn't stomach Ron Paul.
To me, conservatism embraces a free economy, limited government, low taxation and local control while also looking at social issues with a eye toward sustaining civility and a respect for tradition.
I remember in the early 1980's when National Review contributor, Joe Sobran, penned a manifesto of sorts for conservatives, entitled: "Pensees." I read and reread the lengthy essay and later purchased the cassette tape of the author reading the piece.
An important part of the essay was this.
I think about that clip often and lately I have thought about it when listening to and reading conservative commentators. My concern is the shrill tone that has been adopted -- particularly as it relates to John McCain -- by many conservatives.
Don't get me wrong. John McCain is not my first, second or third choice for President. There are many topics that would find us in disagreement. However, I understand and appreciate the system that we use for electing a President. Shame on us for not finding and supporting a conservative candidate earlier in the process BUT now we are faced with a choice between two candidates.
The question at the local, regional, state and national level ought to be: "Who will best represent my views?" If the answer on the issues is Barack Obama, then so be it. If the answer is McCain, then there you go.
Maybe the problem that I had with "Operation Chaos," where Republicans supported Hillary Clinton in order to keep the race going, was that I have a sense of duty when I walk into the voting booth? I am there not to "send a message" or to achieve some bizarre end but rather to cast my vote for the candidate who best represents my views. And short of two socialist candidates, I am comfortable doing so.
Conservatism is comfortable "standing athwart history yelling 'stop'." But it embraces an airing of the issues and drags flawed thinking into the light of reason WITHOUT sounding shrill. Conservatism smiles in its confidence. It appreciates. It takes the long but active view of history.
So cheer up, my friends. I watched a presentation by a liberal Democrat the other morning who did everything humanly possible to convince the audience that he wasn't a liberal. Time is on our side.
To me, conservatism embraces a free economy, limited government, low taxation and local control while also looking at social issues with a eye toward sustaining civility and a respect for tradition.
I remember in the early 1980's when National Review contributor, Joe Sobran, penned a manifesto of sorts for conservatives, entitled: "Pensees." I read and reread the lengthy essay and later purchased the cassette tape of the author reading the piece.
An important part of the essay was this.
I think about that clip often and lately I have thought about it when listening to and reading conservative commentators. My concern is the shrill tone that has been adopted -- particularly as it relates to John McCain -- by many conservatives.
Don't get me wrong. John McCain is not my first, second or third choice for President. There are many topics that would find us in disagreement. However, I understand and appreciate the system that we use for electing a President. Shame on us for not finding and supporting a conservative candidate earlier in the process BUT now we are faced with a choice between two candidates.
The question at the local, regional, state and national level ought to be: "Who will best represent my views?" If the answer on the issues is Barack Obama, then so be it. If the answer is McCain, then there you go.
Maybe the problem that I had with "Operation Chaos," where Republicans supported Hillary Clinton in order to keep the race going, was that I have a sense of duty when I walk into the voting booth? I am there not to "send a message" or to achieve some bizarre end but rather to cast my vote for the candidate who best represents my views. And short of two socialist candidates, I am comfortable doing so.
Conservatism is comfortable "standing athwart history yelling 'stop'." But it embraces an airing of the issues and drags flawed thinking into the light of reason WITHOUT sounding shrill. Conservatism smiles in its confidence. It appreciates. It takes the long but active view of history.
So cheer up, my friends. I watched a presentation by a liberal Democrat the other morning who did everything humanly possible to convince the audience that he wasn't a liberal. Time is on our side.
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