Conservative first, then a Republican
The necessity of a strong national defense
Liberals and the uninformed usually scream about the amount spent on national defense. In 2015, defense spending was $601 billion. [7] Although the article does break defense spending into broad categories, it left out some of the minor costs. Many of these costs are part of the overall DoD spending and are considered as vital to national defense: 1/3 of the Eisenhower Interstate maintenance costs, 1/5 of NASA’s operating budget, maintenance and care to National Cemeteries, 1/4th of the operating expenses of the NOAA, NWS, and many other small projects.
The truth is peace is not easy to maintain. During the Cold War it was the strength of the American military that protected the nation from attack. With changing global political forces, we must have a military capable of defending the nation from the two largest rivals – China and Russia. A strong military deterrent is the best hope for continued peace.
These are just a few reasons…
Yes, these are just a few of the reasons I am a conservative. Maybe at some time, I will continue to list the other issues where conservatism offers better solutions for American society. But my problem is the direction the Republican Party is heading. Yes, I am a registered Republican, but I am still a conservative first. It is almost funny the way conservatives are demanded to compromise, yet the party establishment rarely does. Because of this, grass roots conservatives have no trust in the National Republican Party establishment.
The election of Mr. Trump should have sent a warning to the Democratic and Republican elites and national leadership. But apparently the warning had no weight with either party. The Democratic Party continues to drift further left. The Republican Party, in order to be more “centrist” continues leftward also. Not only is this happening at the national level, but in some cases, it’s now happening at the state and local level.
Can conservatism survive?
As an American historian, I believe the biggest challenge conservatism has is in the education of the general voting public. Since the 1970s, America’s public schools have been indoctrinating two generations of America’s children to accept socialism. The results are that an extreme leftist, Barack H. Obama win control of the presidency. And after him, a known Socialist – Bernie Sanders – gained a significant political following. Again, I think this is because conservatives have not done everything possible to promote conservatism and the personal liberty it brings.
Can conservatism survive? Yes, it can. Conservatives must begin to educate their families and friends on why they are conservative. Conservatives must begin to educate themselves on the facts of major issues facing the nation. Additionally, conservatives must be willing to discuss conservative solutions to those issues. And in that discussion, we must use facts rather than using basing our solutions on emotions. We must begin to promote conservative ideas within our communities and in our states if we expect to succeed at the national level.
References cited:
Alan Simmons
Alan Simmons is an instructor of history at a community college in Kentucky. He has been involved in education since 1999 and has taught in post-secondary education since 2004.
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Alan Simmons
Alan Simmons is an instructor of history at a community college in Kentucky. He has been involved in education since 1999 and has taught in post-secondary education since 2004.