The Death of Political Conservatism!

While it may be premature to announce that political conservatism is dead, I share some joy in reading that some see its demise, at least in the form known in recent history.

I was first made aware of the "inside" drive toward modern conservatism when reading two of the books of Kevin Phillips ("Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich" & "American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21stCentury"; I have not yet read his new book, "Bad Money").

Essentially, he relates his personal involvement in devising the great political strategy that would ensure Republican control of the White House and Congress. He was a genuine conservative, one whose interests were consistent with the party’s history, viz., fiscal conservatism and an emphasis on the individual rather than promoting the role of government. His books lamented its sinking into fiscal irresponsibility and right-wing ideology supported by Christian evangelicals.

Now, George Packer has written a long article in the New Yorker that depicts how the Republican Party has essentially run out its strategy and is left without any ideas and a major lapse from traditional conservative principles.

We can thank George W. for his role in ruining whatever hopes that conservative wing of the Republican Party had for enduring political conquests. Now, it is clear that their inability to govern (contrasted with their history of political victories) has resulted in their inability to deal with the real problems as perceived by the vast majority of Americans: economic stability, healthcare, global warming.

I encourage the reading of George Packer’s article (link above).