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January 23, 2008

The Cat's Meow - 01/23/08: Stubborn Syndrome

by Ferdinand T Cat
Being conservative is not about being popular.

With every primary that John McCain wins, we see more and more columns like this one by David Brooks. The message is clear: conservatives need to modify their beliefs so they can support popular candidates.

This is like saying we can stop terrorism by converting to Islam. Yes, it would fix the problem, but maybe freedom of religion is something worth fighting for.

What David Brooks and Michael Medved are touting is not conservatism, but populism. Populism is about doing what's popular. Conservatism is about doing what's right. If you want to see populism in action, look at the French Revolution. Back then it wasn't called populism, but the idea was the same: the popular will transcends all other principles.

The day that conservatives give in to populism will be the end of our civilization, because there will no longer be any limits on what a government can do to its people.

Now I'm not saying that if John McCain were elected he would start by beheading Rush Limbaugh. Our constitution is old and well-established. But that's cold comfort at best, because John McCain's respect for the constitution is squishy: to him, campaign finance reform is more important than free speech.

So, don't give in. Maybe we're all going to have to hold our nose and vote for the lesser of two evils come November, but if we try to pretend it's the right thing then we are not doing our job.

It's a very important job.

Respectfully submitted,

Ferdinand T. Cat

Trackposted to Is It Just Me?, Rosemary's Thoughts, Right Truth, Cao's Blog, Leaning Straight Up, Big Dog's Weblog, Adeline and Hazel, third world county, Allie is Wired, The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns, Blue Star Chronicles, Pirate's Cove, Celebrity Smack, The Pink Flamingo, Dumb Ox Daily News, A Newt One, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

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Dear Ferdy;

For some reason Miss Beverly Sills, AKA The Tiny Terror has found your post absolutely fascinating, and can't leave it alone, literally. I would not take it as much of a complement as she is only a 4 month old kitten who is just now starting to practice her computer skills.

The Pink Flamingo
& Bubbles (Miss Beverly Sills)


Posted by: S. J. Reidhead Author Profile Page at January 23, 2008 1:59 PM

"Maybe we're all going to have to hold our nose and vote for the lesser of two evils come November..."

I think if I were to vote for any of the remaining candidates this coming November I'd require a frontal lobotomy first.

*sigh*

Has it come to that? (Well, apparently most of the rest of the voters have already had theirs.)


Posted by: David at January 23, 2008 3:49 PM

Ferdy, this is one of those posts that I wish everyone would read. You have it sooooo right.

Your last paragraph-

"So, don't give in. Maybe we're all going to have to hold our nose and vote for the lesser of two evils come November, but if we try to pretend it's the right thing then we are not doing our job."

—is going on my wall.

Thanks for the whole post.


Posted by: Minta Marie Morze at January 23, 2008 9:13 PM

Conservatives have one other option. Sure we might get stuck with McPain or Bar-ack! or the Female Dog, but we can also work on votin' in a conservative Congress to kick their butt. Sometimes I think we forget all politics is local.


Posted by: Harrison at January 23, 2008 10:29 PM

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