Conservative Politics Needs
Direction – A Call to Return to Guiding Principles
I am a Conservative Republican
and I admit supporting Barak Obama
for President. My political party has
lost its way. It has turned mean
spirited. It has decided to take away my
liberties under the guise of terrorism.
It is fighting a war based on lies.
I hold it responsible for not taking actions to save our economy. It has increased the national debt to a level
not seen since the period following WWII.
It has made government larger and more intrusive. Can anyone explain how Barak
Obama could do worse? – this
was my moral dilemma.
This is a call to return to
the roots of conservative philosophy, and rebuild a Republican party which is
inclusive – not exclusive. A party that
accepts the guiding principles of the constitution, maximizes the rights of the
individual, but yet realizes that society is no stronger than the weakest
citizen.
I have just listened to one of history’s greatest speeches
“A Time for Choosing” given in 1964 by Ronald Reagan. I beg you to listen to it and think. Compare 1964 to 2008.
What exactly should a 2008
Conservative believe? Why
should everyone believe the same?
I know Adoph Hitler and Joe Stalin thought
that was important – but a Conservative should not. Correct decisions require debate and opposing
views. There should only be acceptance
of a few guiding principles for a person to be a Conservative:
1)
Believe in the Constitution. We believe
in a free and fair democratic process.
2)
A society without a moral compass is doomed.
It is not the role of government to provide that compass. But the government will ensure religious
freedoms, and will request its citizens to examine their moral responsibilities
to their fellow citizens and to people in the world. Conservatives hold a deep respect for the cultural
institutions of church and family. It is not for Government to pass laws
governing moral behavior or activities unless they impinge on the rights of
other citizens.
3)
A society is only as strong as the weakest component. The stronger in a society have an obligation
to help the weaker. The government has a
role in coordinating and should be reluctant.to become directly involved. However, government also has a responsibility
to the weak and will be backstop for action if all other methods prove
ineffective.
4)
Government is a necessary evil. The
larger it becomes the more evil it becomes.
5)
Capitalism is the financial system of
6)
Change must come in small increments as unintended consequences always come
from change. Change must be evolutionary
– not revolutionary.
7)
Fiscal monetary and budgetary control remains the core Conservative
Principal. Although a strong military
is always necessary to defend freedom, it is far more important to have a
strong and protected financial system.
All future wars will be economic.
8)
Freedom and equality are not opposing forces.
Earlier conservative philosophy believed that the personal freedom to
succeed was more important the concept of equality of the citizens. They are both important. We must not hinder the strong from
accumulating wealth or possessions. When
society is willing to tolerate inequality, society itself is diminished. All men are created equal.
9)
Education is to society as R&D is to industry. The government is responsible for ensuring
the highest level of education is available for its citizens. This is a cornerstone of democracy – an enlightened
and educated electorate.
10)
The political process is corrupt. There
must be political and campaign reform.
11)
Debate and opposing views are part of a democratic process. This is what makes us strong. Those that do not agree with us are not our
enemy. Conservatives want debate – it is
the only way to explore all elements of a subject and minimize unintended
consequences.
There needs to be an assault
on the Republican party to reclaim its moral position
as the leader of