First, I have to say I’m thankful for so many that engage with my content on various platforms. I especially appreciate the positive interactions from many who do not share my conservative values but engage in sincere dialogue. It’s deeply needed and sorely missed by many on both sides of issues who attack one another, entrench in their positions, and lose the opportunity to influence one another.
I wrote an article on Friday asking why so many young women were tilting so heavily Democratic. One person, in particular, brought up several points, and I agreed to answer them with a response. I will do so in a way that answers the question, despite how uncomfortable it may feel. Some, or perhaps many, may agree or disagree with me. Regardless, I appreciate the challenge.
So, here goes…
Do Conservatives Only Seek to “Oppose” Things?
No different than liberals, conservatives, at times, can double down in a defensive mode to protect their worldviews. Does that mean it only opposes something? Of course not. The other side of opposing an issue is supporting another.
For example:
- Opposing abortion is also supporting the potential life of a human being.
- Opposing heavy regulations means supporting fewer regulations that unleash innovation, opportunity, etc.
- Opposing welfare also supports the dignity of work and challenges people to aspire to something meaningful and purposeful.
The list can go on, but I hope I’m making the point. Both sides get bogged down in opposing one another because it fits a “fear” narrative. Fear always motivates voters to cast a ballot. Hope rarely does. It’s basic human psychology, and politicians have mastered it well. Fear gives them power because “We the People” live in a soundbite world and don’t have the time, desire, or tools to evaluate complex issues.
So, while it appears conservatives are opposing things, it’s really a failure to communicate. If one listens, conservatives often say what we are for, but the echo chambers often won’t allow the other side to hear it. Besides, how many are thinking ahead to a response without actually hearing what’s being said? That’s much of what is contributing to this view by the other side that conservatives are against everything.
I support policies that unleash the potential of every person to find meaning and purpose in their lives by using their God-given talents, skills, and abilities to make a difference in the organization they work for and to support their families. Perhaps it’s in starting a business or a non-profit. I support policies that encourage this and oppose those that don’t. Depending on the conversation, you’ll hear one side of the coin or another.
Conservatives Want to Control a Woman’s Body
On this subject, I can only speak for myself, yet I know many conservatives would agree with me. Conservatives don’t want to control anyone. That violates the principles of conservatism. Generally, most want a more free society and less government to control it.
For better or worse, sexuality is a big part of the human experience. One of, if not the most simple, purposes of sex is procreation. I’m not interested in what one does in their private life. It’s none of my business. Yet, when two people participate in a personal choice that leads to a consequence, how should it be handled when another life is involved? At what point is a life a life, and when should it be protected? That is the core question at stake.
So, does the government have a role in shaping morals and values? Not necessarily. Lots of things impact them such as the culture, entertainment, religion, and family.
So, I come to the US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. While the issue was abortion, it was also a legal question in need of a resolution. Some believe it was decided in 1973 but was it? The court at the time used privacy as the issue, not the practice of abortion. Many, including this current Supreme Court, believed that the 1973 court misapplied the 14th Amendment and ignored the 10th Amendment. So, as a matter of law, they did not outlaw the practice. What they did was send it to the states since abortion is not a protected national right spelled out in the Constitution.
To think about this properly… education is not a national right. That’s why the states run it.
So, it’s a tricky proposition. People have the freedom to enjoy their bodies as they like. Yet, do they have the freedom to walk away from the responsibilities of their choices?
There are many challenges a woman may go through, and I’m not naive to reality. There should be exceptions regarding abortion, such as rape or when a woman’s life is in jeopardy.
In all of this discussion, something is missing. It’s called grace. None of us are perfect human beings. If we treated each other with more dignity and respect, perhaps issues such as abortion, racism, etc., would be much less of ones.
Some may say, especially on abortion, conservatism is regressive, but that’s not true, at least not from my point of view. I realize that the issue is complicated, life isn’t fair, and extreme challenges exist.
Yet, are we solving problems and making the world better?
Conservatism is Authoritarianism
This one profoundly gets under my skin. I admit it. For the sake of brevity, I will concisely deal with this issue. Conservatism is the farthest thing from authoritarianism. I believe the Democrats used Trump for political purposes to push a narrative. Yet, Trump aided them with his reckless language. The comments in about immigrants, his language about Muslims, and his inability to communicate clearly at the moment about “good people” in Charlotte were destructive. His words caused harm and placed a bad motive on policies. In politics, that’s everything. There’s an old saying that if you’re on defense, you’re losing.
Regardless, Democrats have their own problems with authoritarianism. Their love of big government as the solution to all problems meets the definition. I will purposely not get into specific examples to distract from the point. I simply want my friends on the Left to understand that while the government is not our enemy, it’s also not always our friend. The more powerful it grows, the further from the people it gets, and the more it seeks to feed its insatiable hunger for more.
Government must take from others to meet its needs. It doesn’t create wealth. It stifles or takes from it. It doesn’t run businesses, but it can inhibit them. In truth, government as an idea is the religion of the Left today. They use it to wield power instead of serving the people.
Regarding religion, some may feel it’s not relevant to their lives. That is okay. This is America. The challenge for those who practice religion and those who don’t is accepting one another. I’m a devout practicing Christian. Still, it’s not up to me who is and is not, nor do I want that burden. In my idea of conservatism, everyone should respect people for who they are. If we did, society would be better off.
I have made a brief attempt to defend conservatism as it relates to the issues my friend and fellow American asked.
These are complicated issues that deserve a lot more attention than I gave them, but I hope they will suffice to continue in an ongoing discussion. The fact we’re even having it demonstrates the greatness of America.
In the future, I may ask some of my friends on my Left to contribute to this website. Perhaps we’ll have a back-and-forth through various articles as a form of debate. It seems to me that it is 100% American!
