Another View of Conservatism

Recently, The Sensible Conservative recited various elements of what constitutes the political philosophy of Conservatism.  I emphasized the values that are essential to a healthy, free society…always have been, always will be.

Michael Gerson, a Washington Post columnist and former Bush (II) Administration official, recently focused on another aspect. 

He opined that the Donald Trump’s conservative constituency is anchored in cultural nostalgia.  He is not criticizing the President’s supporters but rather noting their wish to return to an earlier time.  Back then, the feeling is, America’s standing in the world was not seriously challenged and the society’s values were broadly respected by its inhabitants.

That assessment seems largely accurate but to term the Trump supporters’ attitudes as nostalgic is to miss an important component.  Nostalgia is a wistful look back to a time which will never return.  More is involved than a hopeful wish for what used to be.  Rather, there is a realization on the Right that values which long underpinned our society have been neglected, if not outright ignored.  Think of religion, traditional family structures, respect for human life and patriotism.

A conservative whose philosophy is grounded in history and possesses a skepticism toward the trumpeted virtues of change does not praise the past for what used to be.  But he does recognize that human nature does not change.  And that fact mandates a respect for policies, practices and traditions which sustain a healthy society.  Their survival over millennia is strong evidence of their continuing usefulness – not that they be replaced because modern thinkers view them as old fashioned and therefore outmoded.