We as Conservatism

No matter how I define it, conservatism is in need of a revival. I’ll use the notes of my better and smarter half to lay down some basic principles. We have internalized conservatism as a matter of instinct and practice it in our manner of living. People watching, however, has provided us with many examples of ignorance or misunderstanding of conservatism.

1. We both respect the person over the group. The inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness refer to the individual who must be allowed to make his or her own way responsibly or irresponsibly and pay the consequences. The value of life is intrinsic and should be respected from conception to death without its manipulation or destruction for agendas or special interests.

2. We both respect the past, what lessons it can offer for the future and what appreciation it brings to our current, advanced level of civilization. Progress, in spite of fits and starts, ascends.

3. We both place liberty over rules. Government, therefore, since the days of America’s Founding fathers, should be restrained and limited to its basic functions of defense of the homeland, the building and maintenance of basic infrastructures, the guarantee of freedom and the collection of the minimum amount of taxes to keep it functioning. Restraint or discouragement of a free market system discourages and defeats the idea of personal and financial success. Liberty means a capitalist economic system in which the means of production and distribution are for the most part privately owned and operated for profit.

4. We both believe in the obligation of fiscal responsibility. What is not earned is not appreciated; what cannot be paid for should not be acquired. Government also should not be profligate with the taxes it garnishes from taxpayers. It should keep taxes low and lower them whever possible. Citizens should assume the burden of self-sufficiency and preparedness for their futures and their retirements.

I suppose that my 3 principles of conservatism dovetail with those of my spouse.

1. Family values, 2. Free market capitalism and 3. A strong defense. These provide the underpinnings of a moral and responsible government and society. Today, conservatism is in need of a revival.