Defining "Conservative"

Today’s posting, Defining "Conservative" is the sequel to Defining "Liberal" two weeks ago. This project is part of an effort to move beyond the polarities of “Liberal” and “Conservative” as they have paralyzed American life today. But before we seek a new form for our failing democracy, we need to define the boundaries of where we are today in terms of basic political values. The next step is to move beyond these restrictions and seek a fresh definition of our vision as a nation. So this has been a look backwards before we turn forward into a less defined world.

Again, these terms, “Liberal” and “Conservative” are NOT meant to be associated with specific political parties. Rather, they are a way of looking at the world. They reflect our deepest values and beliefs. It is out of some of these assumptions that the future will be forged, beyond our present Democratic and Republican parties.

“Conservative,” Webster defines as “tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions,” but it is much more, and these 11 points seek to define that conservative mind.

1. Human nature’s role in the larger ecological environment is to dominate and tame Nature.

2. Human nature represents the highest development of Nature. Man is substantially at the peak of the chain-of-being, the end of the process of development.

3. Institutions, like religion, are the creators of “civilization” and not the byproducts of civilization; thus protection of the institutional infrastructure of democracy is basic to the future of civilization.

4. Governments and voluntary associations depend upon the leadership of strong individuals and their values are “the individual writ large.”

5. Governments derive their powers and efficacy from individuals. In general, the best government is the least government.

6. There is a manifest destiny about human history. The special role of the U.S. in the 21^st century is to advance democracy.

7. Compromise on essential matters that affect our national sovereignty or ability to act unilaterally is impossible.

8. Preserving the values of the inherited past is our best path to the future; the past was better than the present. The “good” will prevail only if mankind routes out the evil doers and returns to it past values. Evil may prevail unless those who advance the “good” increase their power and influence.

9. Democracy represents the highest and best form of political organization. As cultures become more “developed” they will from democratic governments as a law of human nature. Adjustments may be required from time to time in every democracy, but we will not need a new form of government.

10. Diversity of ten leads to chaos and anarchy. Uniformity results in a stronger and more effective form of social organization. Dissent is dangerous.

11. Postscript: In the end, a free mankind will prevail.