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By ALLEN WEST
For Town Hall
Next week, we will have the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. There can be no doubt that the election enabled a philosophical stay of execution for America. In these past eight years, we have been heading down the failed road of progressive socialism, which the political, media, academic, and entertainment elites all favor. Hence we have seen such an apoplectic response emanating from these circles who fail to comprehend how the "forgotten men and women" of America rejected and repudiated that which they embrace in their posh cocktail parties and liberal socialist circles.
Last November's election was a victory, but it is not the end because anyone that has served in the military knows, after a successful attack, there is a counter-attack forthcoming. The key aspect for a restoration of this Constitutional Republic is to remain on the offense, proactive, not reactive, and draw the comparative analysis between the two competing philosophies of governance in America: progressive socialism and constitutional conservatism.
Last week I sat with incoming Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C. Walker possesses a vision for conservatism in America. Just last week he coined his vision as "Effective Conservatism." I believe his objectives will produce better results than a previous mantra of "compassionate conservatism."
Walker alluded to a trifecta that will enable his vision of "effective conservatism", the right policy, the right approach, and the right voice. I fully concur with Walker's postulate and want to elaborate.
First, we must not just talk about the fundamentals of constitutional conservatism, but we must draw that comparison to what todays "liberalism" represents. From a philosophy of governance perspective, this analysis is vital to establish, but it singularly does not make conservatism effective.
Second, conservatism must move away from words such as "outreach" and embrace the idea of "policy inclusiveness," and this is not the oft overused term of "big tent." This is how we evidence that conservatism, not just its philosophy, but from a practical aspect is relevant to everyone in America. We must break down the left's "safe space" of identity politics. Conservatism for America means the policies that promote and advance economic empowerment, not economic enslavement and servitude.
Constitutional conservatives such as Walker must carry the message of how economic growth reaches every corner of America, and mainly our urban centers. How do we bring to fruition the Reagan, Kemp, and Laffer concept of "Urban Economic Empowerment Zones," to get capital reinvestment for small business entrepreneurship into the communities most deserving. What type of policies will strengthen the traditional two parent home, especially in the black community? Barack Obama canceled the DC school voucher program, yet dispatched his kids to the prestigious Sidwell Friends School. For progressive socialism, it is about do as we say, not as we do.
What policies will create a safe environment for all Americans reestablishing the rule of law and order in our communities?
Conservatism is the answer, whereby progressive socialism, totally emotion-based, has only served to exacerbate these issues and make them worse. And in response to the failures, it becomes a game of seeking blame, not one of self-reflection, you know, it is the fault of Fox News and the Russians.
Lastly, constitutional conservatism must be presented, personally, based upon principles and how they will relate to the individual. Every person in America wants to be successful, and that should be determined by them, not by some far away group and their vision of mass participation trophies that only serves to make them feel good about giving something. This is done to the detriment of individual will and determination that ends up being the real loser.
Effective conservatism means engaging all America with a relevant principled based message that is not rooted in politics, but the policies for personal, individual growth, opportunity, and promise. It is a message established in the values leading to each of us having the God-endowed right to pursue our happiness, and not have a group of elitists try to manipulate and promise our happiness.
Effective constitutional conservatism makes victors, regardless of where you come from.