Conservatism has been hijacked. While it is difficult to categorize or label any political attitude or philosophy, there is a certain raison d’être to all.
Conservatism, which should no longer be synonymous with the words Republican Party, does not favor the changelessness of government. Rather, true conservatism expects change, embracing a somewhat stagnant form of it. It is an approach with method not madness. This, and not the travesty that is the Republican Party, is the basis of true conservatism.
Those who fancy government as a static entity are ignorant. Worse are those who seek the often rapid and forced change of liberalism under the name of conservatism. Conservatism is centrist; it is moderate. It is the government’s voice of reason, an anchor to this seemingly ever-changing world. It is the status quo that has naturally developed.
Sadly, this voice of reason has been silenced by the soi-disant conservatism practiced by the Republican Party, something not to be taken lightly. History has taught that when this voice is silenced upheaval is soon to follow.
Liberalism is often revolutionary in nature. This statement is not a jab at liberals. This facet of the left is often a necessary evil — a tool of natural change, a check to the sometimes stagnant nature of conservatism. However, when the true meaning of conservatism is lost, an essential check to liberalism is lost.
As an integral aspect of good government, change works best when conservatism checks the revolutionary nature of liberalism — leaving society to progress with organic reform.
This check has been lost. The Republican Party has hijacked conservatism, embellishing in a rightist revolution. When both sides of the political spectrum are engaged in public policy with such an attitude, no one benefits and our nation is jammed in state of changelessness. This means you can kiss quality health care reform or any other positive legislation goodbye.
In a recent move that ironically highlights the sometimes despotic nature of revolution, Republican leaders have begun circulating a “purity resolution.”
The resolution, which is supposed to “espouse conservative principles and public policies,” is not conservative at all. It simply pushes Republican dogma down the throats of the American people and attempts to check moderate Republicans.
The purity resolution, a laughable 10-point check list that if not strictly followed, according to Republicans pushing it this is following at least 8 out of the 10 points, otherwise it would bar a dissenter from functioning as a Republican. Essentially, the party is attempting to define conservatism with Palin-esque talking points.
I’m not saying Democrats are clear of similar absurdity. This article would be about them if they claimed to be conservatives.
The current platforms of the Republican Party are not being criticized. They are not the topic of this article. What is being criticized is the “unconservative” nature of the Republican Party.
For those us who understand the recklessness of the Republican Party and the danger of unchecked liberalism, a new conservative party may seem sensible.
This idea, however, can be dismissed as childish. Instead, I call for, just as George Washington said for 200 years ago, the complete elimination of political parties.
Human nature dictates that there will always be liberals and conservatives. Believe me when I say this a good thing. Nevertheless, it is when a political party corrupts these philosophies that we have a problem.
Zien Halwani is a sophomore molecular biology major and an assistant opinions editor for the Daily 49er.