What is a Conservative?

Is a conservative one who wants a small budget? One who believes in strict social values? Someone who wants the smallest government? Does a conservative a want a large military? I would say that since a conservative by definition wants to "conserve" something, the true conservative, in the context of American politics, is one who wants to conserve traditional American values. I mean the governmental values of the founders of this country, as expressed primarily in the constitution. The one who wants a small budget could be liberal (spending a little on the wrong things is still wrong); the One who believes in strict social values might believe in statism; the one who wants the smallest government might be an anarchist, and the warhawk might believe we should be world's police. The true conservative is one who puts the law and process above his personal feelings, and he would believe in a smaller budget, old-fashioned social values, limited government, and a strong defense.

Here is a quote from Barry Goldwater's The Conscience of a Conservative:

"State power, considered in the abstract, need not restrict freedom: but absolute state power always does. The legitimate functions of government are actually conducive to freedom. Maintaining internal order, keeping foreign foes at bay, administering justice, removing obstacles to the free interchange of goods--the exercise of these powers makes it possible for men to follow their chosen pursuits with maximum freedom. But note that the very instrument by which these desirable ends are achieved can be the instrument for achieving undesirable ends--that government can, instead of extending freedom, restrict freedom. And note, secondly, that the 'can' quickly becomes 'will' the moment the holders of government power are left to their own devices. This is because of the corrupting influence of power, the natural tendency of men who possess some power to take unto themselves more power. The tendency leads eventually to the acquisition of all power--whether in the hands of one or many makes little difference to the freedom of those left on the outside."

Let me know what you think.


Copyright © 2011 David S. Robinson. Any part of this work may be transmitted, reprinted, or otherwise used in any form, so long as 1) I am clearly identified as the author, and 2) a link or URL to this site is included.