David Brooks wrote a brilliant critique of the Republican party and modern-day conservatism today. In it, he describes how we have come to learn a lot more about human nature since Barry Goldwater defined the current "conservative" movement. A lot of what we've learned has taught us that humans are social creatures, and that the myth of the lone pioneer striking out on his own is an aberration.
More striking, however, than the article (which I highly recommend you read) is the following comment (click the link below). It gets to a point I've often wondered about: At what point does a self-proclaimed 'moderate' Republican stand up and say, "Enough!"?
Mr Brooks, the idea that Republicans (or more broadly, conservatives) value the 'individual' is absurd. I don't know who said it first, but I recall this old gem from the Wm Buckley show back in the 70's: "In America we have socialism for the rich and capitalism for the poor."
I suspect that you, like myself and most top earners, are completely smothered in insurance and hedges and all sorts of techniques to ensure that any personal calamity which may befall us will be paid for largely by others, right?
I don't blame you (or myself). Most Americans would love afforable health insurance, to name an example of one 'social' hedge that the rich can afford but that is out of reach for many.
So be honest. The real core of Republican ideology is a rejection of the 'public' sector completely (they've even contracted out a good part of a war) in favor of 'private' organizations that can and do exclude the high risk poor in favor of those who can buy the American Dream.
This is why we have private schools. It's worthy of note that 'private' as in private property and private schools, actually has as it's core meaning the right to discriminate and exclude. THAT is the heart of conservatism.
It's sick, and the world has rightly begun to recoil from what America has become. John Mccain's choice of a culture warrior as VP, followed by his pivot from a campaign based on 'experience' to one that claims the mantel of 'change' (all without deviating an iota from the bush legacy) is the most cynical and divisive political act in my lifetime.
Get real. What the Republican party offers is a massive dose of denial made more grotesque by an aggressive, arrogant patina of hyper-patriotism and what Andrew Sullivan aptly calls 'Christianism.'
A serious question, Mr. Brooks: Is there ANY act by a Republican admistration that would shake your unswerving loyalty? You've carried water and supported Bush (and the gang) at EVERY turn up to now. Is there any point at which a 'moderate' Republican would stand up and say 'Enough'?
— Roger, Seattle
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