| A CONSERVATIVE NO MORE |
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| by Scott Bennett | Wed, Sep 19, 2007, 08:06 PM |
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This afternoon I met a lady I didn’t know. She knew me. She asked why I had ceased to write on DallasBlog. I told her I hadn’t had the time or the interest. She cheerfully opined that that was just as well as I had ceased to be the conservative I had been when at the Dallas Morning News. Being in a bad mood and suffering from a cold I snorted something to the effect that I had learned to keep better company. Justifiably she was shocked at the rudeness turned curtly and stalked off. If she is reading I apologize. I am normally the most gracious of people but this was a bad day. If the lady was shocked by my rudeness, I was shocked at my answer and its vehemence. There was a time I would have adamantly declared myself a conservative. Yet today I don’t want to be found in the company of most who use the word. Why? My views haven’t changed. It isn’t the war. I supported removing Saddam by military means and would do so again. I was foolish enough to take George Bush at his word that he didn’t want to be in the business of “nation building” and would simply find a more pliable government and leave. Today, fully understanding the likely terrible consequences, I favor immediate withdrawal and have no use for warmongering Neocons like Bill Kristol. But Iraq isn’t a liberal or conservative issue. Once I would have pronounced myself a social conservative on the basis of opposition to abortion and a profound disagreement with Supreme Court rulings on pornography. True my opposition to abortion doesn’t arise from religious convictions (I was adopted at birth and I suspect that if the Texas of the 1950s had been like the Texas of today I would have been aborted instead.) so maybe that doesn’t count. But there is a difference between the social conservative of yesteryear and the religious right of today. Go to a Texas Republican convention and you will think you are attending a prayer meeting not a political convention. Today’s social conservative icons are fast buck artists like Gary Bauer, preachers praying for the apocalypse like San Antonio’s John Hagee, anti-Semites like Joe Sobran, talk show bigots like Mike Gallagher and cartoon characters like Newt Gingrich and Ann Coulter. Conservative letterhead organizations promise they will bring back prayer in public schools, pass constitutional amendments banning flag burning and abortion and defending marriage. They know well no such amendments will ever pass. Heck if they did they wouldn’t be able to keep getting the faithful to write checks. Years ago being conservative meant opposition to endless budget deficits. Today it means feeling joyous about deficits. Yes, I’d embrace tax hikes if they were more than offset by spending cuts. We are spending the nation into destruction and the people leading the parade call themselves conservatives. Today local right-wing radio rant man Mark Davis ineloquently made the point that we don’t have a health care crisis in America we have a perceived insurance crisis. Davis makes the point that only about 15% of the population lacks health insurance and most of those don’t want it. He is right. But he doesn’t get it. The 85% live in very real fear of losing it if they become unemployed or change jobs. They live in fear of going bankrupt from cancer or Alzheimer’s or an accident. Davis rants about principle when people vote the realities of their every day lives. Conservatives no longer address people’s everyday lives. If the Democrats nominate Hillary and the Republicans nominate Rudi or Mitt or even Fred Republicans may hold the White House. But they will do so over the dead bodies of men like Rev. James Dobson and David Barton. That would be fine because they might also bring back the kind of conservatism a broad majority of Americans could call their own.
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Comments (27)
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written by Naomi Wilson , September 20, 2007 You are painting with an awfully broad brush. And I would disagree of your characterization of one or two you mention. But I think many who call themselves conservative share your disdain for many of these people and are embarassed at their antics.
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written by Sharon Boyd , September 20, 2007 Thank you, Scott. There are a lot of us out here as afraid of James Dobson as Hillary Clinton. You are still a conservative. Just because the nutcakes claim the title does not make them conservative. They are not conservative. They want dramatic change in our country. They want to control our lives as much as the Democrats. I disagree with you about the insurance issue because health ins is available to individuals. When I had my own business, I paid for it myself and it was expensive. I prioritized it when others took risks. Life has never been fair. Some people can't win for losing. Some people plan for disaster, some people take a chance that all will be well. Don't let those who claim a lock on family values (while they dump their wives for their new squeeze) win. Being conservative means believing in less government, lower taxes, more freedom and personal responsiblity. That's it!
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written by Paul D. Perry , September 20, 2007 I don't know why you label Sobran an anti-semite, but I understand where you are coming from overall. I stand by what I said about how the straw poll was conducted for instance. I too still consider my self a conservative but.."Our little meeting felt like something produced by Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes and G. Gorden Liddy while all three were having a bad day. I am not saying that Pastors Osteen and Jakes are insincere ministers, but I like some separation between my war rallies and other people’s theology."
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written by Paul Shockley , September 20, 2007 I am astonished. You are attacking many of the finest most God fearing conservatives in America. You could never every have been a real conservative and have show vile things to say about people like Dobson and Sobran. Good riddance to you Mr. Bennett.
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written by Remi , September 20, 2007 Your blog's informative is very rich in contents. I like your way of presentation. I disagree with your views but thinking about it who Your blog's informative is very rich in contents. I like your way of presentation. I disagree with your views but thinking about who call themselves conservatives.
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written by Wilfred Spence , September 20, 2007 Paul If memory serves WF Buckley fired Sobran from National Review some years ago on the grounds of "anti-semitism." Sobran said his offending articles were critical of Isreal not Jews and he was merely suggesting that the Jews were running US foreign policy in service of that nation and not this one. Buckley apparently thought otherwise. Sobran responded that Buckley was selling out his conservative principles to curry favor with Irving Kristol and Norman Podhoretz and that Buckley had lied about some conversations between himself and Sobran. I tend to believe Buckley. The biggest problem with Sobran is that he take himself way too seriously and tends offend as way too pompous. But then everyone on Mr. Bennett's list takes themselves way too seriously and is either way to pompous or a fraud. That is the probelm with conservatism today: it is run by show biz characters. Bye Mr. Bennett you aren't the only one to feel the way you do.
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written by Disappointed Republican , September 20, 2007 I share your feelings. I was a life-long Republican until recently. The current batch of Republican leaders have sold their soul to the "Religious" right. Principles have been abandoned in the name of advancing a religious social agenda that I believe should be practiced individually rather than by government fiat. I am also stunned at the selective way the social agenda is set -- a true Christian cares for the poor and oppressed, and does not marginalize large segments of society such as immigrants and homosexuals. If we are going to have any real leadership in this country, the 80% in the middle must become passionately moderate and make their voices heard. It appears that many moderates in Dallas County have figured out that their voices can be heard in the Demcratic Party. I do not think the last election was a fluke where Republicans stayed home. They are either no longer in the county, or as disgusted and I am. The party switching has begun.
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written by bk , September 20, 2007 Let's deal in reality for just a minute. Yes, there is a difference between Goldwater conservatives and Dobson Conservatives. I hate the term "neocon" because it is a democrat hate term. If the "true" conservative movement does something to drum out of the party the Dobson Conservatives, those folks will just stay home or run someone on a third party. The Republican Party will never win another election. I suspect very strongly that that was one reason for the results in Dallas County last November. Conversely, the Dobson Conservatives cannot win without the Goldwater Conservatives. If this internecine warfare continues, we might as well all stay home. Let's quit lobbing bombs at each other and try to find common ground. IJS.
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written by John Applewhite , September 20, 2007 I am a strict social conservative who supports every constitutional amendment the author names. I consider James Dobson one of the great men of our age, a man who has provided a light to the path of millions trying to live moral Christian lives. I would love to live in a nation that would elect James Dobson President. But I don't. And at age 50 I never will. Dr. Dobson has a blind spot when it comes to politics. As a man who deals in moral absolutes he cannot accept that politics is the art of the possible. And it is not possible to elect anyone Brother James would gladly support. Dr. Dobson seems to think that the GOP nomination will be handed out by a small group in a DC hotel room and so he goes about threatening them to do better if they want his followers on board. There is of course no such group. The next GOP nominee will be selected by millions of primary voters from among the men who have chosen to run. They are not going to nominate anyone acceptable to Dr. Dobson. They will nominate someone acceptable to me. In fact any of them are acceptable because the few slices I get from Giuliani or Romney will be a few slices more than I will get from Hillary. Sadly America has changed for the worst but it is what it is and while Dr. Dobson and I can work to change it that won't matter in November 2008. We do not have the numbers to win on our own so we must add others who will dessert us on many issues we hold dear. That is the way of politics. I will buy the author's damnation of most of the people he mentions but not Dr. Dobson. The conservative movement is poorly served by Anne Coulter and most of talk radio. But I will agree that Dr. Dobson "doesn't get it" and that will cost us dearly.
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written by bk , September 20, 2007 John Applewhite is right. Unfortunately, we are not at the stage where a majority will support everything a large part believes in. You take what you can get, and there is nothing hypocritical or unfaithful in that. Politics is just one facet of Christian service. You get what you can out of one facet, and work other facets. From the democrats (or from staying home, which is the same thing) you will get nothing. Folks "in the middle" will get nothing, because social conservative "radicalism" is nothing compared to leftist-liberal radicalism, whatever face they are putting on it at the time. What is the alternative? Only splinter parties where no one can gain a majority, necessitating governing by coalition, which is the ultimate compromise. Certain core beliefs are shared, whether social conservative or Goldwater conservative. Our only alternative to the nightmare of socialism is to find a way to work together. "Disappointed," one question. If what you say is correct, then why was the democrat vote in Dallas County in 2006 lower than it was in 2002? It was just "less lower" than the Republican vote.
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written by Bill DeOre , September 20, 2007 Good post, Scott. I too miss your brand of conservatism. Been missing your writing also. Hope you're feeling better soon and that you can rustle up the interest to bless us with more insightful commentary
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written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , September 21, 2007 I too was a consertative Republican, until I cmae into contact with the last pack of judges and DA that Dallas County just voted out. I saw that their law was goverened by their loyalties to their friends and close associates. They disobeyed the very law that they were elected to uphold, promoting their own agenda and those of their friends and the bad thing about it is that they stil have influence in the goverment. When will those elected to public office realize that they have no friends where justice is concerned. It is their moral and sworn obligation to uphold the Constitution of the United States and of Texas. If your friend is wrong, they are wrong. There is a particular case that is still in Dallas County where the judicial failed to protect the rights and now that they are out of office are banding together like a pack of wolves trying to make sure that the dirt that was done stay burried. Shame on Dallas County!
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written by Alice Reed , September 21, 2007 I recently learned of Dallas blog while listening to Tom Pauken's radio program. I was delighted to learn of a conservative alternative media source. To say I was shocked to find this column is an understatement. This is something the Dallas News would run. At first I shrugged it off assuming that it was simply a viewpoint. Then I read that its author is an owner of dallasblog. Posting this will be my last visit. And I wonder if Sen. Dan Patrick would like to consider whether his radio station should be used to boost a web site owned by an enemy.
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written by Fred Johnson , September 21, 2007 Craig Goldman is a lifelong Republican and Ft. Worth businessman with a track record of working to elect Republicans. Craig Goldman has the background, experience, and conservative philosophy needed to effectively represent us in Austin. Craig Goldman worked with his political mentor, former Texas Senator Phil Gramm, for five years. Goldman has been endorsed by Congressman Jeb Hensarling, who has emerged as a national conservative leader in fighting government waste. In endorsing Craig, Hensarling said "Craig Goldman will be a strong voice for conservative principles, and he will bring energy and passion to the fight for less government and lower taxes." Craig Goldman will work to secure our borders, fight government waste, lower property taxes, improve our schools, implement property appraisal reform, return more of the taxpayer's money back to them, and stand for conservative Republican values. Here is a link to Craig Goldman's Web site, http://www.craiggoldman.com/
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written by Paul D. Perry , September 21, 2007 Wlifred, I vaguely remember that incident with Sobran and NR, however I am disinclined to favor WMB. He seems have been overly influenced by the big governemt wing of the neo-cons from about 1990 on. Going forward I think the probelm is that few cnservatives are willing too stand up for the principle of limited constitutional government. The current fashion is to favor force or compulsion in all matters of policy-both foreign and domestic. I want limited government run by adults. That is one reason in am in general agreement with Scott's piece.
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written by Susan H Silverstein , September 22, 2007 Thank you Mr. Bennett for sharing your views. I find it sad that we have become so polarized as a nation; no longer thinking of a debate process as a means of getting the best ideas; but seperating ourselves into two distinct and conflicting mind sets/lifestyles. It's as though we are on brink of civil war! I always liked the concept of resolving some issues w/conservative thought/modality & others with a Liberal approach. Not anymore. (not for publication, please) I thank former President Jimmy Carter for being so helpful to my people. (I am Reform Jew). He has certainly reminded Christian Democrats who they are and who they are beholden to! I can't tell you how comfortable the Jews feel hearing Israel being degraded as a matter of course. Of course, we are told, it's not "us"; it is "them". Those hyper rich Jews controlling the media. Jews in cahootz with Bush. No, Mr. Carter is just being a real peace-lovin gentleman. He didn't mean to remind anybody of Mein Kompf. That is another "Jewish" critique of his bk. "Those people are OVERACTING again". We have a Reform Rabbi like Yoffie who goes suckin up to the local mosque; whom he knows very little about; rather than even taking a polite look at the palm of friendship that crazy Pastor Hagee is generously offering. Why bother learning about the fastest growing faith communities in America (Evangelic-non-denominational) when he could delve into the estoteria of the Mosques? The rabbi is just jonesing to practice some complex diplomacy here, at home. Little does he know of the plots being formed in his neighborhood mosque. Seriously, I do think Hagee is sincere, even if I don't understand all of his theology. I don't pretend to understand all of my own Old Testament & Torah teachings either. I did attend the CUFI in July. I was impressed with the sensativity, intellegence & above all the kindness I met from the gentiles. Many of them had personal ties to Israel & Judaism through intermarriage or personal knowlege of Jews. We really do need to understand our own neighborhood churches better, before we delve into Mosques. We should not be so quick to snub Pastor Hagee. That little country can not continue to be David slaying Goliath. The world is getting too big and nasty. We need friends. Yes, Mr. Bennett, I share your confusion. So many of the far right wingers want more relgious liberty, for examle, but only if that "liberty" is in agreement with their own creed. I can't understand why any Christian would be opposed to the concept of "Hateful Violence" being a crime. At times they do sound, quite frankly, as if they feel it's time for a facist theological govt. Sometimes I can feel their frustration when things get real seedy; but I do love our Bill of Rights. I do think we are still mature enough to handle our constitution and our bill of rights. As for Home Schooling, I think it's very sad that our schools are in such terrible shape, but we do deprive those kids of lots of learning if we take away their educationl community. Why can't they organize better Christian schols for themselves? Thank you Mr. Bennett. I hope the type of Conservatism you describe, will once again flourish.
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written by Samuel Hughes , September 22, 2007 Watching politics disgusts me these days. I don't understand those who think Giuliani or Romney are an acceptable Republican candidate. Giuliani is a Democrat in sheep's clothing who supports sexual immorality and Romney is a Mormon (which at my Baptist church is considered a Cult, not a religion)... But alas, I live for the day when the Grand Old Party truely is representative of God's Own Party!
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written by Steve Heath , September 22, 2007 Scott- this is a very good article but I think you are wrong about Joe Sobran. I remember Buckley's analysis quite well, and his conclusions were not justified by the facts. Criticism of Israel's policies are not anti-semitic, nor are references the the power and influence of Jewish lobbying groups like AIPAC. Pat Buchanan had the same problem, and he was treated very unfairly. Walt and Mearsheimer are saying the same thing. The fact is that there is plenty of justification for expressing the views that the neocons and much of the Christian Right have foreign policy views that are biased towards Israel, are contrary to America's own national interests, and in fact are contrary to the short and long term interests of israel. You are right about Mark Davis- he's almost as bad as Sean Hannity. I used to like the guy, but I can hardly stand listening to him now. I think will will lose more and more listeners as people figure out what is going on. John Hagee is just unblievable. I can't believe people actually take his dispensationalist rants seriously -His followers don't seem to give a damn about budget deficits, big government, the loss of our freedom and disrepect for the Constitution -they only want barbaric wars, the establishment of a "Greater Israel" based on strained biblical interpretations and Armegeddon they pray for every day. This is not the type of Christianity I learned from the Gospels when I read the Sermon on the Mount or the Golden Rule. You may be right that only Mitt, Rudy or Thompson can beat Hillary, but I wouldn't count on it. Every Republican since Reagan has promised the same type of Conservatism you describe, and none have delivered -including the Republican Congress. No one believes them anymore. If you want a Republican who people will believe (and who will not have the war wrapped around his neck like a millstone) - there is only Ron Paul.
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written by R Tate , September 22, 2007 Dr. Dobson keeps telling us who is unacceptble to him. And so far everyone is. At least anyone with a chance of actually winning. Well who does he LIKE? Newt? Newt's family life makes Rudi's look like Ozzie and Harriet. If the good Doctor is going to play Roman Emporer with a thumbs up and thumbs down why doesnt he give his thumb a rest and just tell the world who he would support. If he is so powerful and has so many followers surely the man he would support will quickly rise to the top of the list. Dr. Dobson needs to either come forth or shut up!
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written by Right Wing Republican Volunteer , September 24, 2007 Scott I still like you even if you are a neolib. :-)
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written by Dave , September 25, 2007 Wow, Mr. Shockley, it is extreme paleocons like you who could very well prevent us from maintaining the White House. Why the blind allegiance to Dobson? Why on Earth? You know, for instance, that we will never overtrun Roe, and Rudy actually proposes a plan to decrease abortions by encouraging adoption... and you still refuse him. Rudy would save more babies' lives than Fred "Old Ugly Wasp" Thompson or Mitt Romney would, because he takes a logical, measured approach to the problem. Please don't vote in the GOP primaries. And tell Dobson to either back Rudy or find another party to leach off of.
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written by Mel Detes , September 26, 2007 Interesting thoughts. So you're going to roll over and admit that you are a RINO, just like the religious right said you were? I'm sorry to hear that. For the record, David Barton is not who you characterize him to be. At the Texas Republican Straw Poll, he went out of his way to make it clear to the rank and file that any of the Republican candidates were better than any of the Democrat candidates, and that no matter who the candidate is, we must not stay home on Election Day 2008.
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written by Al Rhea , September 26, 2007 David Barton is a purvayor of fake history. He has had to change the movies he sells constantly because he gets caught making things up. He is just a fast buck artist.
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written by Sam George , September 26, 2007 David Barton does not lie and he does not make up history. I dare you to try the same rigorous research. You might be unpleasantly surprised by what you come up with.
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written by Ian Perry , September 28, 2007 "We will never overturn Roe" what a horrible attitude; if the Republicans nominate a candidate who shares it I WANT them to be defeated. Also Rudy's claim about increasing adoptions appears fairly bogus from what I've seen, just FYI.
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written by East Sider , September 28, 2007 The neocons are a disgrace to the principle of conservatism, to the Republican Party, and to the United States of America. And James Dobson is a childish, fearful bully with a pofoundly stunted intellectual capacity. Our forefathers are rolling over in their graves at the spectacle of these weak-minded idiots.
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written by Right Wing Republican Volunteer , October 01, 2007 East Sider, Typical leftist drivel. Why don't you come up with something new? BTW, if you ever actually read what our forefathers wrote, you would know that they "are rolling over in their graves at the spectacle of" you libs trying to throw away all that they fought for. Write comment
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