Conservatism (Our last best hope)
Conservatism (Why it is the last best hope)
Conservatism in my view is simply any American who takes on the obligation to conserve America's first and most basic principles of governing which is nothing more than the implementing of the practice of limiting our government that is proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and reinforced by our Constitution.
We believe that this basic concept is what truly enhances our society to provide a thriving economic opportunity to all of its citizens.
The following are in my opinion the basic concepts of conservatism:
Creating and maintaining religious liberties
One of the first and most important concepts is a solid belief in recognizing that the foundation for all human freedoms requires the acceptance and value of religion and that there was/is a significant role in this belief. In recognizing our heritage, that God was revered by many of our forefathers and that His word was utilized in forming this nation. Also that we recognize the significance in keeping a separation from it and the state. Where Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of it, or prohibiting the free exercise it.
That we maintain a strong conscience and faith which is embedded by Godly values that demands justice and secures a “limited” government.
I believe the Martin Luther King has summed it all up best with his quote…”The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool.”
I think that describes it best through the eyes of conservatism.
To provide a strong military, keeping peace through strength
Conservatives maintain a strong significant stance that it IS up to our government to provide for the common defense. That peace through strength is the best way to assure our liberties and freedoms as one nation.
George Washington tells it simply that “There is a rank due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready for war.”
That providing economic freedom is essential for the protection of liberty
Conservatives hold onto the belief that basic concepts that Americans have the right to sell or give property or goods to others on terms of our own choosing and that a free market will dictate a moral and truthful outcome. That is not saying that our government should not have a limited role in regulating the economy. But limited is the key word. Conservatives merely believes that government has over the course of time has expanded its role and has over-regulated the markets and have created a cumbersome economic burden and has stifled economic growth.
A noted economist once said: "To be controlled in our economic pursuits means to be controlled in everything." That if our government would ever gain control our basic economic decisions, such as how much we can sell products for, what we can or cannot buy, or where we can work, it can and will control most facets of our lives. We are nudging ever so close to that idealism.
To provide the lowest possible taxes on the American people
History has demonstrated to us that the periods of higher tax rates are directly related with poorer economic performance and fewer tax revenues. It has been times in history when our economies have thriven the most, when those who have the capital the freedoms to invest without penalty. Conservatives hold on to the fact that it is the entrepreneurs of this country that has created the most powerful economy on earth. We want to encourage those who have the desire to pursue happiness, to be able to do so with the fewest restraints of our government.
We also realize that we cannot spend more of our revenue than we generate in a fiscal year. It is most vital that we restore or return to a more prudent government. Understanding that the role of our federal government is not to create jobs, but to create an environment where its citizens can have the freedoms and the liberty to capitalize off of their labors and efforts.
In conclusion:
I believe that conservative values are the most effective way to uphold the philosophy that our forefathers created to assure our freedoms and liberties. When it is at its best, all individual have the freedoms and the responsibilities to live each of their lives to the fullest, and to honestly pursue happiness in the real American way.
The liberal left has such opposing views that we are becoming more and more divided as a nation. Standing firm on conservative values will be of utmost importance to proving too many Americans that actions are louder than words, and only then, can the conservative ideology take a grass roots start into rebuilding America as I hope to one day see. That is why I see it as the last best hope for America.