America, the liberal nation???

Up until now, it was traditionally thought that America was a right of center nation. After an election like this, one has to wonder if this axiom still rings true. While the conventional wisdom of this election result may be to say that America has changed, the political facts might suggest a different story.

The success of Obama campaign is astounding. To think that a one term junior senator could arise to the most powerful office in the world, defeating a Clinton along the way, is astonishing. Watching Obama change from the extreme liberal to the idealistic centrist in time for the first presidential debate, is just as unbelievable. The Obama campaign had to out left the Clintons in order to squeak out the Democratic nomination, and then shift these positions quickly for the presidential campaign. Obama has to pose as a tax cutter, in order to appeal to the middle class voters. I say this position is nothing more than a ruse to hide Obama’s socialistic, wealth redistribution policies. To the discerning eye, this “tax plan” is nothing more than a big government, authoritarian policy, utilizing class envy to achieve political ends. However, to the public at large, Obama’s tax plans seem to be rational and centrist, giving credence to the notion that America is still right of center nation.

Another very interesting circumstance of the Obama campaign has been the overwhelming support of young voters. You could make the case of mis-education, for this typically under informed demographic, citing Liberal run schools and universities, dominated by liberal teachers unions. I believe that the draw of the Obama campaign for these young voters is based on celebrity instead of careful policy consideration. The fashionable position for this group is largely anti Bush. So a candidate whose campaign is centered around “change” and Bush bashing, becomes very attractive to these idealistic voters. When asked, these voters show no real comprehension of Obama’s policies. Instead, they talk about his oratory skills and messianic demeanor. To these voters, this election is not an affirmation of Obama’s policies, but a protest of the Bush presidency. This is another indicator that America has not been transposed to a liberal nation.

The fact is, America has not fundamentally changed. Voters have been misled into thinking our economic crisis was caused by capitalism and policies of the Bush administration, and are led to the conclusion that safety can be found in the government. The Obama campaign had to outspend McCain 2-1 and prey on the fears and ideals of a blind electorate. America is still a right of center nation. There is no doubt that Obama knows this, and for the first 2 years will not risk a political over reach; learning from the Clinton policy mistakes that led to the Republican Congress takeover of the 90s.

Some in the Republican party will use this election as cause for the Republicans to rework their ideals. They would a spouse watering down the conservative message in order to win over independent voters. This is just a recipe for continued Republican defeat. As conservatives we have a clear recipe for victory that we continually ignore. Ronald Reagan showed us how conservatives win elections. He promoted standing on the principles of Individual freedom and the ideals of our founding. He thought that The idea that a man (or woman) should have the right to keep the fruits of his labor, has been the singular virtue of this great nation, and was the driving force of our rise as the greatest nation in the world. Americans have not turned their back on this principle. It is the Republican Party who has betrayed these principles. I can only hope this election will act as a lesson for these Pseudo-Republicans. Reagan did not change his message based on the sway of the polls, instead he took on these issues and changed minds. He moved the polls. While it is easy to present a populist message, and talk like the compassionate conserve, we must convince the population that self government is the best way to ensure equality. Now is not the time to compromise and merge to the left. If there is any hope for the ideals of freedom and liberty to survive we have to get back to our principles. As Reagan said, “What we need is a party of , not pale pastels.” This election will not kill the conservative party, as this party is based on the God given spirit of individual freedom. This election will serve as a refining fire. “Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty” We will continue to fight.

Thanks for reading

~Aaron West

“That no free government, or the blessing of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue, and by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.”
– George Mason

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