A Constitutional conservatism based on first principles provides the framework for a consistent and meaningful policy agenda.How conservative is this manifesto? Is the Constitution of 1787 actually more so a libertarian document?» It applies the principle of limited government based on theIf we are to succeed in the critical political and policy battles ahead, we must be certain of our purpose.
rule of law to every proposal.
» It honors the central place of individual liberty in American
politics and life.
» It encourages free enterprise, the individual entrepreneur, and economic reforms grounded in market solutions.
» It supports America’s national interest in advancing freedom and opposing tyranny in the world and prudently considers what we can and should do to that end.
» It informs conservatism’s firm defense of family, neighborhood, community, and faith.
We must begin by retaking and resolutely defending the high ground of America’s founding principles.
Here's Glenn Reynolds: "Notice that it’s heavy on small-government stuff, and light on social-issue meddling. I think this supports the notion of a libertarian shift on the right — which I, of course, am happy to see."
I would focus on how we interpret the last clause at the summary, "conservatism's firm defense of family, neighborhood, community, and faith." Will a libertarian interpretation of constitutional originalism provide a necessary and sufficient foundation for the protection of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Or, can we justify any room for "social meddling"?
If it were me, I'd go with Richard Land's manifesto, "Stay Faithful to Core Values."
3 comments:
This is just more Neocon propaganda using the language of conservatism to justify militarism, which will inevitably lead to even more big government, crippling deficits, and the erosion of our liberties.
If the signers of the Mount Vernon Statement wanted to restore the vision of the Founders, they would've invoked George Washington's warning to avoid "overgrown military establishments which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty," as well as Adam's observation that America "goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy."
"Neocon propaganda"?
Not everyone is neocon, Old Reb? Certainly not Glenn Reynolds.
Donald Douglas,
Yep -- no matter who's signing it, it's still Neocon propaganda. All the tax parasites who feed off the "defense industry" sense there's a strong anti-federal, anti-big government movement that must be fooled into submission.
Of course, it's a doomed effort -- all empires implode under their own unsustainable weight. But it's tragic that more needless waste and death must occur.
Post a Comment