The Red and Black

Issue date: 6/5/09 Section: Opinions

TIM ECHOLS [Click to enlarge]

As the GOP seeks to rebuild after its stinging defeat last November, there is a cry to return to "core principles" - but what are they anyway? Many modern-day Republicans would do well to review the principles that make up conservatism.

Doing so means going back to a dead guy named Russell Kirk. Kirk spelled it out better than just about anyone. This all-but-forgotten man laid out ten principles of conservative thought that many officials seem to have forgotten.

There isn't room here to discuss all ten, but I want to focus on several of them. I doubt you have heard these from any of your University classes, but see how many you recognize. Better yet, see how many you agree with.

First, conservatives believe in an enduring moral order. That would be the opposite of the moral relativism we find here at the University. I think the only thing not subject to moral relativism at the University is the academic honesty policy that hangs in every classroom - but after that, it is "anything goes."

Don't confuse moral order with any particular denominational leaning either. This concept is much broader than that. Kirk said human nature was a constant, and moral truths were permanent. (This first principle would seem to be rather uncontroversial, given that 94 percent of Americans believe in God, according to pollster George Barna.)

Kirk argued that a society in which men and women are governed by an enduring belief in moral order - i.e., by a strong sense of right and wrong and by personal convictions about justice and honor - would be a good society, regardless of the political machinery. Political parties do not determine the trajectory of a nation - the people do.

It is because of this belief in an enduring sense of right and wrong that the GOP has adopted strong moral positions on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

Because these positions are rooted in enduring beliefs, Republican leaders should continue to embrace them - no matter how much squealing takes place within certain sections of the party ranks.

Second, Kirk argued that conservatives should adhere to Edmund Burke's mantra that while the individual can be foolish, the species is wise. Following that advice, real conservatives should stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before and build on their foundation of wisdom.

I refer not only to Ronald Reagan, but to other great thinkers and statesmen prior to our lifetime, such as Edmund Burke, T.S. Eliot, Adam Smith, and Sir Walter Scott. I know we conservatives admire Limbaugh, Hannity and Coulter, but they can't hold a candle to the great thinkers of the movement. Too bad our students aren't required to read those authors anymore.

Third, Kirk knew there is no way to totally level the economic playing field, and in fact, we shouldn't aspire for it. Robbing Peter Taxpayer to pay Paul violates conservative thought because it is not a permanent solution.

Do you think that if you gave everyone in town a million dollars, inequity would be gone? No, it would surface its head again within 24 hours. Some will have saved, some spent, some gambled. Inequity is a part of life.

That is not to say we shouldn't be benevolent and urge our churches and charities to give assistance. In fact, Christianity and other religions have strong teaching about caring for the poor, for widows and orphans. In our society, we have tried to make it the government's job to provide this care, and true conservatives have to take issue with that practice. Churches and non-profits especially should be in tune with this conservative principle.

Fourth, Kirk and other past conservatives knew that great societies are built upon the foundation of private property. We see it in the Ten Commandments ("Thou shalt not steal" and "Thou shalt not covet" imply that people have a right to own things). Policies that seek to redistribute wealth and property should be anathema to the real conservative.

While getting rich should not be the conservative's chief aim, the institution of private property has been a powerful instrument for shaping integrity, creating prosperity, and providing the opportunities for people to act responsibly.

Finally, Kirk and other great conservatives have believed in "flattening the power" - or limiting government. Real conservatives know the danger of power being vested in just a few, even it is called benevolent.

Constitutional restrictions are necessary, political checks and balances and enforcement of the law a must - all the while balancing the claims of authority with the claims of liberty.

Under George W. Bush, the size and influence of government grew, a no-no for a true conservative. Under President Obama's first 100 days, it seems as though growth hormones have been added, and government is being super-sized beyond anything we have seen before.

When Russell Kirk revised his list of 10 conservative principles in 1993 he noted that the word "conservative" was being abused. If alive today, he probably wouldn't be surprised that the distortion has continued.

The bottom line is that being "conservative" should describe how one feels about "truth." Being "conservative" is about seeing great value in permanent things. Being "conservative" is about creating opportunity and empowering people, not government. It sounds old-fashioned, and in a way it is. I hope the GOP can convince their rank and file, old and young, that being conservative is cool - and that it is a worldview that can win elections.

- Tim Echols is a graduate student studying public relations.

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