Lately, there’s much talk about the differences between Republicans and Democrats. However, the real distinctions lie between Conservatives and Liberals (or Progressives, as they now like to call themselves).
The best way to describe the differences between Liberals and Conservatives is the way in which they view humanity.
Liberals fundamentally believe in the inevitable perfectibility of the human species, aided by government. They see America as making progress, but with just a little more tweaking by the governing class, a regulation here, a mandate there, we can move into an even brighter future.
Yes, there are problems, but our civic and cultural leaders can overcome them.
If this piece of legislation, or that law is passed and implemented, we’ll be oh-so-close to achieving Nirvana.
Conservatives take a less sanguine view.
Although Liberals and Conservatives both read history, Conservatives understand it. They tend to be somewhat less optimistic about the future of humanity, if the governing class of people who feel blessed with all the answers determines that future.
Conservatives have a deep and abiding suspicion of concentrations of power, whether it takes the form of big banks, companies, labor unions or government.
At the turn of the last century, there was a general feeling of optimism. Electricity was being put to use; the telephone was becoming common, and science was expanding on a continual basis. There was a general sense of an unlimited ability to solve all problems. Progress was being made on all fronts, or so it seemed.
Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson, in turn occupied the White House and viewed the world through a Progressive or Liberal lens. They felt government was indispensable in advancing human progress. And more government would create more progress.
This past Friday marked the 95th anniversary of America’s involvement in World War I. The Great War removed the scales from the eyes of humanity.
The war was initially foreseen to be short, a “gentlemen’s” conflict, where everyone would be home by Christmas.
After all, the heads of state of Russia, Germany and Great Britain were all related to each other through Queen Victoria.
However, it didn’t quite work out that way. The Great War turned into a four-year slaughter. An entire generation of men in France, Britain, Germany and Russia were lost.
World War I inconveniently interrupted the Progressive movement. Resources and attention that could have been employed to further social progress and the Progressive agenda were instead diverted to war.
World War I did more than put the goals and dreams of the Progressive movement on hold. It drove home the uncomfortable truth that the noble plans, legislation; regulations are sometimes no match for the ambition and malice that lives in the hearts of a few.
Conservatives realize that humanity’s long-term interests are not well served by glowing hopes that fuel ever-larger governmental programs, which become increasingly more expensive and less effective.
Conservatives don’t believe that government is “evil” and should be abolished. They recognize the need for laws to protect us.
But the first line of defense against evil is a morally strong and well-educated citizenry. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which laid the foundation for the eventual admission of Ohio and other neighboring states, was clear. “Religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” You can read it for yourself; it’s engraved on the east entrance to the McFall Center.
Positive lasting change originates in the hearts and minds of individuals. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that this past weekend, both Christians and Jews celebrated the most solemn days in their year. At the heart of each great religious tradition is the underlying emphasis on individual transformation and conversion.
That’s the genuine “individual mandate.” It’s the only one that produces truly lasting results.
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