What Is Conservatism?

No democracy can last for long absent a morally sound and seriously intellectual conservative movement, posits New York Times op-ed columnist Bret Stephens. By definition, he argues, conservatism in any country has stood for the politics of order and caution, and for cherishing social norms. Historically, conservatives in the United States have “believed in unalienable rights, in the pursuit of prosperity and free markets, in the pursuit of happiness, and in representative government.” Today, however, this view of conservatism is being replaced by an “America First” philosophy that, at its core, supports protectionism, imposing limits on immigration, and a form of nationalism that isolates the nation from even its most loyal and traditional allies. What is next for conservatives? What does “conservatism” really mean now?

[ennediend]

I like being a compassionate conservative.

[kaisersoza]

NYT op-Ed pretty much kills the conservative hypothesis.

[cyberedge]

I don't want to be a part of any country where the people can't set limits on immigration and can't set the conditions for citizenship. Flat out. Period.

[pix]

this is the most ridiculous "articulation" of conservatism I have ever heard. Bret Stephens is a joke

[caiusKeys]

One of America's greatest conservatives works for the NYTimes? CK doesn't think so...

[bramrhodesdouglas]

Conservatism is just progressivism in slow motion.

[improvmaniac]

I wonder how his Chinese Immigrant brother in law feels about Trump now?

[pjmvdbroek]

"American greatness" what a joke. The facts on the ground tell us otherwise

[jimedgcomb]

In the definition of 'Conservatism' or as they say 'American Conservatism' it is the preserving ideal liberalism.... I have a proposition for him (and G.Will also as he says this same thing) ... I'll bet that for every 1 conservative GOP person he can show that believes this, I can produce 10 conservative GOP people who say NO - That Conservatism means protecting the status quo, defeating Roe v Wade, denying people of color the right to vote, and reducing the government down to where it was before FDR.... Who wants to take me up....

[pjmvdbroek]

Conservatives stand in the way of progress and honest distribution of resources