The American Heritage Dictionary defines Conservatism as “The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order”. Although that sounds like a stagnate and closed minded philosophy it actually is not. Basically it means that conservatives believe that if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Conservatives are typically pro-life because life is considered sacred and God given. They are against gay marriage, not because they believe consenting adults don’t have the right to be gay, but rather because they believe marriage is a long standing, God instituted system for creating strong families. They support a strong military, not because they are warmongers, but because they realize that there are situations where war cannot be avoided.
The also support freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and all the other tenets of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. So at what point did “conservative” become another word for “idiot”?
I can’t tell you the day or moment when the shift in definition occurred but I can tell you it happened because the world over the past few generations has become one where people don’t like absolutes. They want to do what tickles their fancy and they don’t want anyone, anything, or any system of thought to interfere with their whims.
I don’t base that statement on the political beliefs stated above. There are some who don’t consider themselves Conservatives that feel the same way on those particular issues. I base that statement on our culture. We, as a nation, have become increasingly self-centered and self-gratifying. We don’t want to accept responsibility, we want to blame. We don’t want to accept consequences, we want to find ways around them. And the easiest way to shift blame and dodge consequences is to create a system of laws and thought that says whatever feels good is good and the traditions of old are antiquated.
While some traditions were heavily flawed and oppressive (think slavery and oppression of women) they were flawed because of the way they were executed. For instance, marriages were usually arranged and the wives were the property of their husbands. That doesn’t mean that marriage between a man and woman is antiquated. It means the individuals, as today, were flawed in their thinking of what marriage should be.
It is the hope of the author of this editorial that those who read this article and the others that will follow will see that Conservatives by definition are not idiots even if they disagree with you. Conservatism is a system of belief. It is valid and it is worthy of consideration. It also happens to be protected by the same constitution as liberalism. Go figure.
August 9, 2008
A Day Late and A Dollar Short
Posted by aconservativeview under Introduction | Tags: Commentary, new direction, Political, politics |1 Comment
When I decided to create this blog, my original intention was to talk about political subjects. I was going to offer news and commentary based on the things I read and saw each day. It was going to be my opportunity to give the world the benefit of my unquestionably correct opinions. The world needed this I was sure. As I set out in this new endeavor, I quickly became aware of a few things.
First, I realized that I am sick of political commentary. I can’t watch 10 minutes of any news program without hearing about Senator Obama or Senator McCain. Media outlets are constantly dissecting and analyzing each comment, action, or lack of from the candidates. Because this years campaigning began so far in advance, I am thoroughly and decidedly sick of hearing about it.
Secondly, as I was forced to listen to all these accusations, assumptions, and assorted gobbledy gook, I became aware of how little I really understand politics. Any knowledge I had of the inner workings of our government was rudimentary at best. My entire experience with politics consists of cramming for tests in high school (18 years ago), voting, and listening to other equally ignorant people spout the most amazing and colorful nonsense you can imagine.
It was this second observation that determined the direction of this blog. As a citizen of this great country I have an obligation to educate myself about how this government works. Since I know so little, and know so many who know just as much, if not less than, me I decided to start from the beginning and work my way up.
Do you know what that means? I am going to learn all I can and I am going to share what I learn with you! I am going to do the research so you don’t have to and I am going to explain things as simply as I can. I will also share any resources I find that provide additional information.
If you have ever wondered what all the political jargon means and why our government does what it does now is your chance to find out from the bottom up. I’m excited! Aren’t you?
As part of this process I am deleting “Conservative America”. The name would be misleading given the changes to my agenda. I will continue to use this address in the coming days as I search for a new name, and when I pick one I will include a link so those who are interested can go with me. I look forward to these changes and I can’t wait to share with you all I have learned.
Thanks for sticking with me during this transition. I’ll do my best to make sure you are proud. Until tomorrow…