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Letters
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 12:00 AM

Is a new conservatism possible?

The right is in serious trouble -- and not just because of Bush's disastrous presidency. But will it be able to change its reactionary ways?

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  • Tuesday, October 30, 2007 01:49 PM

    What is the list of attributes you're looking for Gary?

    Isolationist

    Limited (very limited) government

    Weak Federalism

    State's rights

    Loose interpretation of the Constitution (in terms of the focus of the Supreme court). Some would say that a real conservative would turn back the John Marshall court and go back to the pre 19th c era of using the SC to interpret contract law and interstate issues exclusively.

    No central bank

    No Federal regulation at all

    Aside from the pro slavery stance and agrarian aristrocracy, one could say the ultimate conservative was Patrick Henry. In fact one could argue that states should rule up to the point that they can issue their own currency and enter into their own treaties. This way all the social issues would solve themselves. If the people of one state want polygamy but no gay marriage, then those laws apply. If another wants all drugs legalized, ditto. And so on. That's really the only kind of conservatism we should worry about. Perhaps Lincoln was wrong on this point and we can lay the blame of where we are today at his feet. If the Confederacy were allowed to thrive then all those problems we have trying to reconcile the conservatives with the non conservatives might have been avoided.

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