How to be a Conservative in 2008
by Ken S.
February 09, 2008

Republicans in general and conservatives in particular find themselves in unfamiliar territory as the primary season effectively draws to a close. We have seen the election cycle begin earlier than ever before. We have seen the coverage slanted by the media to cover such riveting and important topics to governance as John Edward's haircuts, who does Hillary's hair, the quality of Mr. Huckabee's base guitar playing, and theology lessons about nearly all the candidates' beliefs. We have heard lots of talk about talking about the issues but little talk about the issues themselves. We have seen "debates" that are not debates at all but rather media-led choreography designed to produce soundbites (to help ratings) and too little time for serious answers or discussion about any issue. Day in and day out the TV is filled with the horse-race aspects of the contest and glimpses at the personality quirks of the candidates but almost NO analysis of the impact of what they say they will do. At the end of the day we are left without a candidate that in recent times (if ever) shows any understanding or respect for conservative ideals.

For example, how is it that the biggest issue in the minds of many Americans, namely illegal immigration, and the complete rejection of the comprehensive approach to that issue last fall hasn't caused any current candidates to actually accept that mandate and to modify their positions accordingly? Still Hillary, Obama, and McCain all say they favor the comprehensive approach. Huckabee's position is somewhat better. Excuse me Senators, but which part of the American peoples' voice (and consistent 85-90% poll numbers) that loudly said "No" to that approach do you not understand?

I digress. No matter, Be of good cheer conservatives. Conservative ideas are not about personalities but about principles. Unlike fashion and global temperature worries they do not change. Those conservative principles of limited government, lower taxes, and respect for the Constitution (in word AND in deed) are the only principles that will maintain our sovereignty, eliminate corruption in government (i.e. earmarks), and maintain our liberty. Eventually these truths will win out.

I submit to you that we have to take this opportunity to stop focusing, in a sense, on just winning the tug of war of party and faction. Even when republicans have held the Presidency and the Congress rarely are conservative principles adhered to effectively so that winning the offices is clearly not enough.

We must instead endeavor to introduce conservative ideals and respect for the Constitution into every conversation with our government officials.

How do we do that? Simply require the following 3 questions to be answered EVERY time a politician introduces or discusses an idea or program which they support (we'll call it The Liberty Test):

1) Where specifically in the Constitution is your desired program allowed?

2) How will you pay for it?

3) What is the weakest or most distasteful, risky, or worrisome aspect of your plan. In other words, what is the most compelling argument against your program and how would you address that argument effectively?

I'm tempted to include a fourth question, (Have you read every word of this legislation that you are prepared to vote for.........) but perhaps that's best left for another day. With a little adjustment the Liberty test can be applied to existing programs as well.

If we (remember "We The People", those ones who are supposed to give their consent to be governed) ask these questions of our elected officials and demand answers then the process would move in a good direction regardless of which politician is in the seat. We must demand the media set aside their current beauty-pageant mentality and ask these type questions of national politicians for the benefit of the country.

Such questions must be repeated so that many people can hear the responses directly and decide for themselves of their validity and bring up other concerns. It is only from requiring such answers from our elected officials that real accountability can flow. It is only from such a dialog that effective governance can occur.

That's how to be a conservative in 2008. That's how to be an American in 2008.
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