by Eric DonderoThe term "Western Conservative" is being bandied about in the media as a result of the Sarah Palin pick for VP. For instance, this morning's London Times-Herald has this story, headlined: "Sarah Palin - It's go West for the future of Conservatives."
Excerpt from the Times:
"Hailing from Arizona and Alaska, the Republican ticket has a chance to rekindle a western conservatism different from the old Yankee paternalist sort or the Bible Belt version. They like their guns out there (some still kill their own food) and they are pro-life and deeply pro-America, of course. But at a time of grave challenges, the themes of economic freedom and opportunity, the resistance to the idea that government holds all the answers, could resonate with voters."
Other honorary members of the "Western Conservative" club include: Idaho Governor Butch Otter, South Dakota Senator John Thune, Texas Senator John Cornyn, Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake and soon-to-be California Congressman Tom McClitock.
Libertarianism and Western Conservatism, essentially the same thing
If this is the future of Conservatives, and the Republican Party, Libertarians, most especially Libertarian Republicans, will be very happy. This is essentially a return to Goldwaterism. There's little if any difference between Goldwater's Western Conservatism and Mainstream Libertarianism. Both represent strong support for Free Enterprise, Social Liberties, and Strong Defense.
On Free Enterprise it represents a strong commitment to the Entrepreneurilist spirit of Cindy McCain's Anheiser Busch distributor Dad and fishing business owners Sarah and Todd Palin: Tax cuts, lessen burdening regulations and cut government spending.
But it also represents opposition to Nanny State regulations on individual's personal lives, such as the 55 mph speed limit, hunting and fishing rights, over-regulation of personal freedoms like limiting the hours a bar or tavern can be open for business, and a more do-as-you-please attitude on tobacco and marijuana use, and even prostitution. Just "don't scare the horses," as the saying goes.
"Walk softly, yet carry a Big Stick"
Finally, it represents a great Military Tradition as the McCain family has honored, and as the Palins are honoring today with their first son going off to Iraq. This, added to an attitude straight out of an old Western of "walk softly, but carry a big stick." It translates in general to staying out of the affairs of other Nations, but if one is attacked, fight back with all the power of the mighty United States Military.
As the heroic Maverick often reminds us, there is nobody who hates War more than he does. Yet, as McCain also reminds us, in this current conflict, we were attacked first, so we must take the fight to the enemy, and ultimately win.
Next time you hear the phrase "Western Conservative," just think "Libertarian." These Western Conservatives are the newest members (or actually old returning members), of our Libertarian Family.
Note - Eric Dondero makes his home in a small Southeast Texas town outside of Houston.
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7 comments:
It is too bad John McCain is not one of them though.
As Barry Goldwater Jr book "Pure Goldwater" points out his Dad grew to dislike McCain and actually ask McCain to stop invoking his name as a "Goldwater Republican" during fundraisers.(Which McCain didn't do, by the way)
This might be true. But consider, McCain's earliest and biggest backer Jeff Flake is the former Pres. of the Goldwater Inst.
Ahh yes, Goldwater! When people ask me about my politics, I tell them, I'm a libertarian who happens to be a registered Republican. When I see their glazed over, doe in the headlights look, I tell them I am a Goldwater Conservative... not a Reagan Conservative, mind you, but a Goldwater Conservative.
I think that's what separates the wheat from the chaffe: Whether you call yourself a "Reagan Conservative," or a "Goldwater Conservative."
The former are clearly basic Conservs, the latter Libertarians.
Or in the immortal words of Milton:
"I am a libertarian with a small 'l' and a Republican with a capital 'R.' And I am a Republican with a capital 'R' on grounds of expediency, not on principle."
I find most everyone stares at you like a deer in headlights when you tell them you're a libertarian.
You can forget about explaining that you're a small 'l' libertarian, by that time they have come to the belief that you are a cult member.
Yes, but unless you so-called 'conservatives' are trying to conserve my natural liberties, you are doing nothing noteworthy. I don't know what so-called Reagan conservatives have to be so proud about--other than the war on drugs, that liberty-removing device!
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