It is clear that the search for numbers of followers of the Conservative movement must not lead to a weakening of principles on the part of the general population of Conservatives, not even under the pretext of pragmatism.
How should Conservatives deal with other Conservatives that they deem to be on the wrong side of Conservatism in some of the dimensions of Conservatism? They should have a civil conversation and both go back to the First Principle of Conservatism and reflect on it applies to that particular dimension of Conservatism, e.g. military Conservatism. This First Principle is so powerful that the more Conservative of the two debaters will easily win. Such conversations will be extremely important for the growth of the movement. Because they will be some of the major source of growth of the movement. Many people who see themselves as partly conservatives but who realize that they are not really conservatives in some necessary dimensions need to be rallied to the movement totally. Some people who do not view themselves as Conservatives need to be told that they are really very close to be true Conservatives, in spite of their disagreement on one or more dimensions of Conservatism – because they cannot not agree on the First Principle of conservativism. Others who view themselves as conservatives can actually have their views changed on the specific issues that are not Conservative, without being asked to compromise their principles, but simply by being shown that they also believe in other more important principles which need to be harmonized with their principles vis-à-vis military matters, for example. Most of the population can in such manner be shown that they are really Conservatives, as well as given the intellectual tool to reconsider many of their positions in the light of the central ideas of Conservatism and, with time, change some of these positions.
It is now clear that the ideas that all Conservatives who want to promote the Conservative movement should promote are the ideas that constitute the First Principle of Conservatism. This First Principle will not offend any Conservative. It will not offend non Conservatives. Actually this First Principle is extremely attractive. That’s why it will attract many people who do not yet acknowledge themselves to be Conservatives towards the Conservative side. That’s why these ideas, First Principles of Conservatism, will make Conservatism conquers the hearts and minds of the populations.
Why are these ideas so attractive? Again let us go back to Reaganism. Ronald Reagan was always very optimistic vis-à-vis the American people. His core message was always:
- You, the American people are totally capable to make these decisions, not the government. - You, the American people are totally capable to make the right decisions, not the government. - You, the American people should make these decisions, not the government.
Reagan was always building up his audience as capable individuals. He did not talk down to them like Obama does. He instead always put each American on a pedestal. It would have been hard not to appreciate the gesture.
A gesture that conveyed both recognition of the true equality of each American – and of each human being, actually – to take on an active role in his destiny, as well as an encouragement to exercise the innate liberty that each human being naturally possesses, as it is expressed and celebrated in the American Constitution.
The necessary task undertaken in this book that strived to resist all influences to the contrary and insist instead on the obligation to seek the very core principles of the Conservative movement is thus justified. These very Central ideas and First Principle – as they define true human nature, true equality and true liberty – of Conservatism are what will become the banner of a successful promotion of Conservatism.
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