Conservative and Republican Values in Modern America
The contemporary political landscape in the United States is complex and multifaceted, particularly when discussing the values of the Republican Party and conservative movement. What do these values consist of, and how do they align (or not) with traditional conservative thought? This article aims to provide clarity and explore these questions in detail.
The Evolving Spectrum of Republican Values
The Republican Party has faced significant internal and external pressures over the past few decades. One reason for this is the narrative of retaliation and witch hunts targeting members of Republican administrations, particularly those associated with high-profile scandals. This focus on political and personal vendettas, such as the current obsession with investigating Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, despite him not being part of the administration, highlights a shift towards exploiting emotional and social issues to maintain party relevance and support.
Another factor is the declining base of wealthy voters, which has forced the GOP to seek alternative ways to engage and mobilize their base. This often involves exploiting social issues like abortion legalization and racially based white resentment. These issues are sometimes reinforced with nonsensical narratives, such as the controversial accusations of transgender grooming practices, which have no factual basis.
Historically, the Republican Party had been associated with conservative principles that emphasized less government intervention, lower taxes, and personal responsibility. However, the modern Republican Party is a coalition of individuals and groups with varying ideological stances. This includes supporters of Donald Trump, whose values often deviate significantly from traditional conservative ideals. On the other side, political figures like Bernie Sanders and members of the Squad represent further left flank positions that are far from traditional liberal thinking.
Primary Conservative Principles
Despite the diversity within the party, certain conservative principles remain prominent. Here are some of the key principles that define contemporary conservative values, though they are not always consistently adhered to by the Republican Party:
1. Decreased Federal Authority, Increased State Authority
This principle emphasizes the need for federal government to have a smaller role in governance, while reserving more power for state governments. This belief in states' rights has been a long-standing argument among conservatives, advocating for greater local control over issues ranging from education to healthcare.
Example: In recent years, states like Texas and Georgia have passed laws that limit federal oversight in areas such as voting rights and environmental regulations, reflecting this desire for state autonomy.
2. Lower Taxes and Fewer Tax Loopholes
Conservatives typically advocate for lower taxes and fewer opportunities for individuals and corporations to avoid paying taxes. Some have even proposed a flat tax rate or a hybrid tax system to simplify the current complex tax code.
Example: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, enacted under the Trump administration, significantly reduced corporate and individual tax rates, though the effectiveness and fairness of this legislation remain subject to debate.
3. Continuous Military Growth
The principle of continuous military growth is rooted in the belief that a strong military is essential for national security and the projection of power. This policy is based on the idea that peace is maintained through strength and the potential deterrence of adversaries.
Example: The Department of Defense budget has consistently been one of the largest federal expenditures, reflecting the commitment to a strong military posture. Critics argue that this level of spending may not align with traditional conservative values of fiscal responsibility.
4. Absolute Free Speech for Adults
Conservatives generally support the right to free expression, including political, social, and cultural expression. However, they draw the line at free speech for minors, advocating for protections to ensure that children are not exposed to harmful or inappropriate content.
Example: The communication guidelines for internet service providers (ISP) in the United States, enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), reflect this approach to balancing free speech and the safety of minors.
5. Freedom of Religion
Religious freedom is a cornerstone of conservative values, often tying into the notion of moral authority and personal responsibility. The protection of religious liberty is seen as crucial for maintaining a society based on traditional values.
Example: The religious liberty clauses in the United States Constitution, particularly the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause, are cited to support conservative positions on issues such as religious accommodations in public life and school prayer.
Conclusion
The values outlined above represent the core conservative principles that, while shifting and evolving, remain important to many within the Republican Party. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these values are not always cohesively aligned with the Republican Party's legislative and policy actions. The diversity and internal tensions within the party make it challenging to provide a uniform answer to questions about contemporary conservative and Republican values in America.
Understanding these values and their evolution is essential for comprehending the complex and dynamic political landscape of the United States today.