The Conscience of a Conservative

In light of the deep troubles afflicting our country, including the macroeconomic downturn and the war with the Islamofascists, citizens are in need of a clear and comprehensive philosophy for understanding the problems facing us and how they might best be resolved. Desperate groping for unspecified and random "Hope and Change", while perhaps understandable, will lead to incoherent actions and bad results.

With the defeat of McCain and various Republican candidates for Congress, it appears clear that the Republican party has not presented a superior alternative to the voters. Fortunately one exists, and it is available to all in a succinct, easy to read, and inexpensive book.

Of course I am speaking of Barry Goldwater's book "The Conscience of a Conservative." Goldwater provides a simple, clear, and timeless foundation for Conservative philosophy:
- The basis is Liberty for the individual

- Conservative philosophy is comprehensive and addresses spiritual and moral matters and is not limited to economic matters

- The philosophy places the individual at the forefront:

"Only a philosophy that takes into account the essential differences between men, and, accordingly, makes provision for developing the different potentialities of each man can claim to be in accord with Nature"

- Government power must be diligently restricted to preserve Liberty.

"Throughout history, government has proved to be the chief instrument for thwarting man's liberty"

The principal means for restricting government power is strict adherence to the Constitution's provisions dictating the responsibilities delegated to the Federal government

- Failure to achieve this historically has resulted in the Federal government's grave infringement on the liberty of individuals. This is damaging to both the spirit and economic welfare of each individual and must be rolled back.

- Some may say that the book's final chapter, "The Soviet Menace", is an archaeological relic which obviously has no relevance today given the demise of the USSR. However, it in fact remains as relevant as ever in the face of today's Islamofacist threat as it appears we are repeating some of the same mistakes. For example:

"Our enemies have understood the nature of the conflict and we have not. They are determined to win the conflict, and we are not."

Goldwater goes on to say that we must recognize that we are in a war and devise a strategy focused on winning. Goldwater also points out various ideological aspects of the USSR's strategy which are quite similar to those employed now by the Islamofascists, and discusses our proper response to them.

This concise book is a must read for those interested in understanding the basics of Conservative thought and should be viewed as an instruction manual for Republican party leadership.