A Must Read for Conservatives

An editorial in a recent issue of The Economist magazine (June 12, 2010) decried the weakness of conservative politicians in America. In the lead article entitled “What’s wrong with America’s right” a stunning quote is found. “America desperately needs a strong opposition. So it is sad to report that the American right is in a mess: fratricidal, increasingly extreme on many issues and woefully short of ideas, let alone solutions.” And, this in a magazine which is unapologetic in its support of conservative political philosophy.

The Republican party in America has justifiably earned its reputation as “the party of no.” It is so fixated on seeing that Obama fail in his presidency that it has forgotten to play its legitimate role as an opposition party. It has no alternative suggestions for dealing with the problems that face America other than to oppose whatever Obama suggests. This is unfortunate, as The Economist points out, because democracy is at its best when there is a vibrant debate in the public forum regarding the proper role of government. Republicans, who champion the conservative cause in the United States, do not seem to have a coherent set of ideas about how to govern. From my perspective, the sooner they get their act together and propose a specific course of action the better served America will be.

To date conservative thought leaders have settled for stringing together a series of sound bites and platitudes. America deserves better. The Economist article is a must read for conservatives in America if they want to be taken seriously.