En Tequila Es Verdad/progressive conservatism/post/2009/05/19/1538
May 19, 2009 3:38 PM - Woozle
Woozle said...
I think I have just one more question.
You weren't able to show me how the premise of ideal conservatism (as you define it, i.e. choosing to respect tradition and custom over arbitrary principles when deciding how to handle or implement change) naturally leads to support of the particular causes you espouse and which you seem to be offering as expressions of that ideal.
As far as defining conservatism, then, this leaves us with only those examples by which to understand it, since it's not clear why those particular causes (rather than any others rooted in different but no less American/Western/whatever traditions and customs) are the inevitable conclusion even if one accepts the premise of conservatism as you described it.
So let me try another angle.
You made it a point to say that your definition of "ideal" conservatism should not be confused with "real world" conservatism as expressed by most politicians or public figures calling themselves "conservative" -- but so far, I can't really tell the difference.
My question, then, is this: are there any prominent conservative figures whose views you disagree with? If so, please tell me more about this. I'm particularly interested to hear if you have any points of difference with Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, Ann Coulter, Karl Rove, William Kristol, Sarah Palin, or Dick Cheney... but please feel free to throw in any others whose views you would like to comment on.