Enduring Conservatism

Do Conservatives prefer the past to the present? Writing in today's GLOBE, staff writer, Drake Bennett attempts to paint American conservatism as being firmly ensconced in the political wilderness, bereft of "ideas" with which to counter the flood of new legislation from the democratic legislative majority. While it comes as no surprise that the democratic party is flexing its new-found muscle as it promotes its ultra-liberal agenda, the frantic pace at which massive bills are being rushed to a vote, often without allowing adequate time for thoughtful review, or even a cursory reading, evokes widening skepticism. What's the rush? If they believe in the value of their ideas, why not subject them to a thorough vetting and introduce them in a orderly coherent form?

Writing in the Introduction of "The Future of Conservatism", Charles W. Dunn lists ten Canons of conservatism, the first of which reads:

"Continuity stands out as the most widely accepted canon of conservative thought because conservatives place a high value on order in in society. Preferring organic change to revolution, conservatives oppose large-scale and abrupt alterations that disrupt and unsettle society. Their respect for the past reflects a desire to incorporate change within existing community institutions, standards and traditions, making continuity from generation to generation the most essential canon of conservative thought."

Thus, it may be argued that conservatives do not prefer the past but, more importantly, chose to build on the important lessons so learned. In addition, this tenet is evidence of the fact that the basic canons of conservative thought are as applicable today as they have been in the past.

The rush of "new" liberal ideas will appeal to many who are impatient with the traditions of society. The siren song of politicians, offering quick fixes to complex problems, can be irrisistible, especially to those with limited forsight. Eventually, however, reality reasserts itself and the utopian promises are revealed for the unworkable fiascos that they are. This re-balancing process is already beginning as the American people have started to realize the terribly pervasive financial burden of the so-called Cap and Trade proposal. Similarly, the reality of the stupendous costs, both financial and in terms of access, associated with the clamor for a national healthcare system, are beginning to emerge through the fog of liberal rhetoric. And this is just two of the multiple liberal proposals being rolled out in a manic fervor. As the reality continues to emerge, look for public opinion to shift back to a more prudent and conservative point of view.