I have been reading with concern articles in conservative publications which outline how we conservatives are being our own worst enemies in that a few of us allow our passions to lead to outrageous claims and conspiracy theories.
Sam Tanenhaus, editor of the New York Times Book Review, has written a book entitled "The Death of Conservatism." The Economist summarizes the theme of the book as follows: "Over the past 50 years or so American conservatives have transformed themselves into latter-day Jacobins- slogan- spouting ideologues who want to destroy government rather than reform it. They are so blinded by partisanship that they are incapable of seeing any vices in their own side or any virtues in their opponents, and so consumed by anger that they define themselves by what they want to destroy than to preserve. American conservatism is dying as a movement precisely because it has abandoned the principal insights of classical conservatism: for example, that government is a precondition for civilisation." The Economist, August 22, 2009, page 74. However, The Economist goes on to criticize the book as unfair and unbalanced in that it does not also acknowledge the shrill language of the left nor the merits of opposition to bigger government.
Another essay raises the concern that unbridled passion (primarily anger) and conspiracy theories are inhibiting rational debate on the issues of the day. "But wide-spread paranoia has drawbacks. For a start, it makes calm, rational debate rather tricky. How can you discuss the trade-offs of health care reform, for example, with someone who thinks the government is plotting to kill grandma? It does not help, either that politicians on both sides are willing to fan the flames. Sara Palin calls Mr. Obama's health-care proposals 'evil'. Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, calls the protestors who loudly oppose them 'evil-mongers'. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House of Representatives, calls them 'un-American'." See "Still Crazy after all these years," Lexington, The Economist, August 22, 2009, page 32.
We must disavow those words, conspiracy theories and actions which are undermining our credibility as conservatives. We must correct anyone who spouts words and thoughts that are simply untrue. For example, "[m]uch foolishness has become attached to the question of President Obama's place of birth, and a few misguided souls on the right have indulged it (to the delight of the press and the White House). The president's birth certificate has been made available to reporters for inspection, and its authenticity has been repeatedly confirmed by the authorities in Hawaii, where he was born. Conservatives ought to leave conspiracy theories to the likes of Rosie O'Donnell and the one in three Democrats who believe that 9/11 was an inside job. Obama is a wrongheaded president, but not an illegitimate one." "The Week," National Review, August 24, 2009, p. 6.
We must maintain our credibility by disciplining our passion with reason and common sense. It is instructive for us that the leaders of our revolution, though passionate about the cause, disciplined that passion with reason and common sense. The Declaration of Independence still stands as a compelling document for its clear, passionate, disciplined presentation of the rights of people and the reasons for our separation from Great Britain. These same revolutionaries wrote the Articles of Confederation and then the Constitution of the United States to provide for effective, limited government. Even the vigorous debates over adoption of the Constitution (as exemplified in the essays now known as The Federalist Papers and The Anti-Federalist Papers) show the passion of each side disciplined through reason and common sense. This is in sharp contrast to the French Revolution where unbridled passion (primarily anger), without the discipline of reason and common sense, consumed itself after the wanton and needless destruction of people, property and institutions.
More on this topic next week.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The need for a humble, efficient limited government that empowers the people
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem....Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government. It is, rather, to make it work- work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must work to provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it." These thoughts from Ronald Reagan's first inaugural address are often overlooked. What Reagan was emphasizing was that by 1981, government over-regulation and intrusion into the economy had caused, in large measure, the double digit inflation, unemployment and interest rates the country was experiencing. But Reagan also knew that government did have a role- to get out of the way of the people by pursuing policies that remove governmental barriers to our creativity, ingenuity, sponaneity and personal responsibility.
People are angry and upset this summer largely because they see our federal government headed in the opposite direction- more governmental intrusion into the economy and our personal lives, more federal spending and taxes, and higher deficits. People understand that this course of action threatens them and the future of their children. Just this morning in the news is alarming information that the president's own people now estimate that the cumulative federal deficit over the next decade (2010-2019) will actually be two trillion dollars higher than originally estimated. This means a cumulative $ 9 trillion deficit instead of $ 7 trillion. People know that this unacceptable level of debt will literally suck the life out of the economy and any chance for individuals and small businesses to be creative in pursing opportunities that lead to quality jobs and life.
Ironically, former Senator Bob Kerrey (D-Nebraska), predicted in the fall of 2008 that "the primary threat to the success of a President Obama will come from some Democrats who, emboldened by the size of their Congressional majority may try to kill trade agreements, raise taxes in ways that will destroy jobs, repeal the Patriot Act and spend and regulate to high heaven." [as quoted in "Nebraska Liberal, New York Reactionary," by Bari Weiss, The Wall Street Journal Weekend edition, July18-20, 2009]. This overeaching by the Democratic Congress has now come to fruition in terms of their "stimulus" package (full of wasteful earmarks), ill conceived proposed health care reforms and bloated proposed 2010 budget. This overreaching rightfully creates fear and concern in the American people. Instead of seeing a President and Congress making government actually work to improve opportunities for them by creating a leaner, more efficient limited government, people see a President and Congress out to fulfill their own partisan goals by growing the federal government regardless of the damage done to the long term well being of the country.
Sarah Palin, when she ran for governor of Alaska, stated that, "I want an efficient, accountable government to provide basic services." ["Sarah Studies," by Bradley Smith, National Review, August 24, 2009, page 32]. This is what the American people expect and deserve- an efficient, accountable limited government. Even Bill Clinton got it right in his second inaugural address when he stated "We need a new government for a new century- humble enough not to try and solve all our problems for us, but strong enough to give us the tools to solve our problems for ourselves; a government that is smaller, lives within its means and does more with less."
The keys to a healthy America are government policies and individual goals that foster the American spirit- which is the spontaneous individual pursuit and expression of liberty, freedom, equality, justice, creativity, generosity, ingenuity and personal responsibility. Only a humble, efficient limited federal government will empower the American people to provide innovative solutions to the challenging issues of our time.
People are angry and upset this summer largely because they see our federal government headed in the opposite direction- more governmental intrusion into the economy and our personal lives, more federal spending and taxes, and higher deficits. People understand that this course of action threatens them and the future of their children. Just this morning in the news is alarming information that the president's own people now estimate that the cumulative federal deficit over the next decade (2010-2019) will actually be two trillion dollars higher than originally estimated. This means a cumulative $ 9 trillion deficit instead of $ 7 trillion. People know that this unacceptable level of debt will literally suck the life out of the economy and any chance for individuals and small businesses to be creative in pursing opportunities that lead to quality jobs and life.
Ironically, former Senator Bob Kerrey (D-Nebraska), predicted in the fall of 2008 that "the primary threat to the success of a President Obama will come from some Democrats who, emboldened by the size of their Congressional majority may try to kill trade agreements, raise taxes in ways that will destroy jobs, repeal the Patriot Act and spend and regulate to high heaven." [as quoted in "Nebraska Liberal, New York Reactionary," by Bari Weiss, The Wall Street Journal Weekend edition, July18-20, 2009]. This overeaching by the Democratic Congress has now come to fruition in terms of their "stimulus" package (full of wasteful earmarks), ill conceived proposed health care reforms and bloated proposed 2010 budget. This overreaching rightfully creates fear and concern in the American people. Instead of seeing a President and Congress making government actually work to improve opportunities for them by creating a leaner, more efficient limited government, people see a President and Congress out to fulfill their own partisan goals by growing the federal government regardless of the damage done to the long term well being of the country.
Sarah Palin, when she ran for governor of Alaska, stated that, "I want an efficient, accountable government to provide basic services." ["Sarah Studies," by Bradley Smith, National Review, August 24, 2009, page 32]. This is what the American people expect and deserve- an efficient, accountable limited government. Even Bill Clinton got it right in his second inaugural address when he stated "We need a new government for a new century- humble enough not to try and solve all our problems for us, but strong enough to give us the tools to solve our problems for ourselves; a government that is smaller, lives within its means and does more with less."
The keys to a healthy America are government policies and individual goals that foster the American spirit- which is the spontaneous individual pursuit and expression of liberty, freedom, equality, justice, creativity, generosity, ingenuity and personal responsibility. Only a humble, efficient limited federal government will empower the American people to provide innovative solutions to the challenging issues of our time.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The road to hell is often paved by good intentions.
President Obama and and some Democrats in Congress are trying to deflect constructive criticism of the flaws of their health care reform proposals by saying that Republicans are only obstructionist with no plan of their own. This is not true.
Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin's First District), for example, proposed in May 2008 a bill to reform health care, overhaul federal spending and promote economic growth. His plan, called a "Roadmap for America's Future," contains many interesting ideas on reforming health care (including Medicare and Medicaid) , the federal budget and job creation based on conservative principles.
So, the truth of the matter is that the President and Democratic leadership have chosen to freeze out constructive Republican ideas and then have had the audacity to lie to the public by saying that Republicans have no ideas on fixing health care. What happened to the open and constructive debate on health care that candidate Obama promised the American people last year? It is nonexistent, and has been replaced by the arrogance of a President and the leadership of his party who desire to have their way or no way. While their way may be based on good intentions, good intentions based on unsound principles and poor planning lead to bad results. As old time preachers would say, the road to hell is often paved with good intentions.
That's where the current health care proposals will take us- millions losing the private insurance they have, millions thrown onto the public option of health insurance, this in turn causing an overwhelming increase in the federal budget deficit and overall federal debt. The good intention of providing health insurance coverage for those not currently covered will lead to worse coverage for all when the federal government collapses under the weight of the staggering debt increase.
Why can we not take our time, have a constructive public debate over the next two years on all possible options for better health care in the United States, and in the meantime deal aggressively with and overhaul the federal budget? This approach would result in responsible health care reform benefitting all people without further increasing the deficit and federal debt load. Plus the added benefit of a responsible, balanced federal budget and policies would lead to true long term economic recovery and job creation.
Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin's First District), for example, proposed in May 2008 a bill to reform health care, overhaul federal spending and promote economic growth. His plan, called a "Roadmap for America's Future," contains many interesting ideas on reforming health care (including Medicare and Medicaid) , the federal budget and job creation based on conservative principles.
So, the truth of the matter is that the President and Democratic leadership have chosen to freeze out constructive Republican ideas and then have had the audacity to lie to the public by saying that Republicans have no ideas on fixing health care. What happened to the open and constructive debate on health care that candidate Obama promised the American people last year? It is nonexistent, and has been replaced by the arrogance of a President and the leadership of his party who desire to have their way or no way. While their way may be based on good intentions, good intentions based on unsound principles and poor planning lead to bad results. As old time preachers would say, the road to hell is often paved with good intentions.
That's where the current health care proposals will take us- millions losing the private insurance they have, millions thrown onto the public option of health insurance, this in turn causing an overwhelming increase in the federal budget deficit and overall federal debt. The good intention of providing health insurance coverage for those not currently covered will lead to worse coverage for all when the federal government collapses under the weight of the staggering debt increase.
Why can we not take our time, have a constructive public debate over the next two years on all possible options for better health care in the United States, and in the meantime deal aggressively with and overhaul the federal budget? This approach would result in responsible health care reform benefitting all people without further increasing the deficit and federal debt load. Plus the added benefit of a responsible, balanced federal budget and policies would lead to true long term economic recovery and job creation.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Restoring America Through Effective Advocacy of and Application of Conservative Principles
"It is especially critical at this chapter in our nation's history for conservatives to set aside the dogmas of the quiet past and instead explain their vision to a new generation....Our challenges are great, but they can be met by men and women of good faith who are guided by restraint and prudence instead of rabid, unyielding ideologies." Joe Scarborough, "The Last Best Hope: Restoring Conservatism and America's Promise" (Crown Forum, NY 2009, p. 2).
I have just finished reading Scarborough's book. His analysis of what we need to do to promote conservatism to a new generation is right on. My experiences this past week at the Ozark Empire Fair underscore this analysis.
In my last blog I spoke of how a young Nicaraguan named Christian provides hope for that country. Over the past week, I have had the pleasure of meeting and engaging in discussion young Americans, many of them seventeen or eighteen who will vote for the first time next year. I have been impressed with their enthusiasm, passion and intellect.
Alex, for example, is a seventeen year old who lives in Greene County. One evening at the fair we spent a good ten minutes or so discussing issues. He has read Senator Tom Coburn's book, "Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders Into Insiders." Alex understands the risks of the Democratic leadership's various proposals on health care reform, and the need to preserve private insurance choices for people as part of any meaningful, responsible reform.
My discussions with young people this past week refreshes me and gives me renewed enthusiasm about the long term prospects for our country. We will pass through a season of sacrifice and pain, but emerge a better America of sound principles and a healthy economy if we pursue responsible, reasonable approaches to issues based on good stewardship. Young people understand and grasp the concepts of respect, graciousness and stewardship as being in tune with conservative principles. For example, saying one is "anti abortion" is no longer enough. We must say and live it by showing respect for the life of all persons, even those with whom we may disagree. We cannot model for young people respect for all life when we demean and condemn as unworthy certain people because of their beliefs. This leads to the conclusion that only certain "worthy" people are entitled to life. This selective reasoning is not biblical, nor conservative and has led to an increased devaluation of life, especially as reflected in the senseless murders of people living in and out of the womb. As conservatives, we must model a respect for all human life if we wish to positively affect our cultural norms so that abortion on demand of unborn babies and murders of born individuals become unacceptable because each person believes and accepts that it is wrong to do so. Their belief of wrongness being grounded in their understanding of how abortion and murder disrespect the value and right of all to life, instead of being based on the screams of hateful slogans by some saying it is wrong.
To paraphrase Lincoln, appealing to the "better angels of our nature" by revealing the soundness underlying conservative principles will draw support from people of all political beliefs and persusasions. This past week at the fair, many people, of varying political beliefs, have expressed their disgust at the partisan, personal "bickering" that is going on in Washington. A recurring question is "What are you going to do to engage in constructive discussion about realistic, meaningful change for our country?" I respond with the answer that I will discuss and pursue solutions on issues in a respectful, gracious manner based on the conservative principles of stewardship and limited but effective government as envisioned by the founding fathers and Lincoln.This approach is especially effective in appealing to the current generation of young Americans who will one day be our leaders.
The restoration of vigorous but civil dialogue on the challenging issues of the day is a focus of this campaign. I look forward to a return of civility in our public discourse as we are all reminded that "We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." [A. Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, The Essential Lincoln: Speeches and Correspondence (Hill and Wang NY ed. by Burton 2009)].
I have just finished reading Scarborough's book. His analysis of what we need to do to promote conservatism to a new generation is right on. My experiences this past week at the Ozark Empire Fair underscore this analysis.
In my last blog I spoke of how a young Nicaraguan named Christian provides hope for that country. Over the past week, I have had the pleasure of meeting and engaging in discussion young Americans, many of them seventeen or eighteen who will vote for the first time next year. I have been impressed with their enthusiasm, passion and intellect.
Alex, for example, is a seventeen year old who lives in Greene County. One evening at the fair we spent a good ten minutes or so discussing issues. He has read Senator Tom Coburn's book, "Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders Into Insiders." Alex understands the risks of the Democratic leadership's various proposals on health care reform, and the need to preserve private insurance choices for people as part of any meaningful, responsible reform.
My discussions with young people this past week refreshes me and gives me renewed enthusiasm about the long term prospects for our country. We will pass through a season of sacrifice and pain, but emerge a better America of sound principles and a healthy economy if we pursue responsible, reasonable approaches to issues based on good stewardship. Young people understand and grasp the concepts of respect, graciousness and stewardship as being in tune with conservative principles. For example, saying one is "anti abortion" is no longer enough. We must say and live it by showing respect for the life of all persons, even those with whom we may disagree. We cannot model for young people respect for all life when we demean and condemn as unworthy certain people because of their beliefs. This leads to the conclusion that only certain "worthy" people are entitled to life. This selective reasoning is not biblical, nor conservative and has led to an increased devaluation of life, especially as reflected in the senseless murders of people living in and out of the womb. As conservatives, we must model a respect for all human life if we wish to positively affect our cultural norms so that abortion on demand of unborn babies and murders of born individuals become unacceptable because each person believes and accepts that it is wrong to do so. Their belief of wrongness being grounded in their understanding of how abortion and murder disrespect the value and right of all to life, instead of being based on the screams of hateful slogans by some saying it is wrong.
To paraphrase Lincoln, appealing to the "better angels of our nature" by revealing the soundness underlying conservative principles will draw support from people of all political beliefs and persusasions. This past week at the fair, many people, of varying political beliefs, have expressed their disgust at the partisan, personal "bickering" that is going on in Washington. A recurring question is "What are you going to do to engage in constructive discussion about realistic, meaningful change for our country?" I respond with the answer that I will discuss and pursue solutions on issues in a respectful, gracious manner based on the conservative principles of stewardship and limited but effective government as envisioned by the founding fathers and Lincoln.This approach is especially effective in appealing to the current generation of young Americans who will one day be our leaders.
The restoration of vigorous but civil dialogue on the challenging issues of the day is a focus of this campaign. I look forward to a return of civility in our public discourse as we are all reminded that "We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." [A. Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, The Essential Lincoln: Speeches and Correspondence (Hill and Wang NY ed. by Burton 2009)].
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