Are They Right? (How two Brits view the state of American conservatism)

Tech Central Station ^ | June 21, 2004 | John R. Lott, Jr.

[quidnunc]

Many Democrats won't be happy with John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge's new book, "The Right Nation." While re-electing President Bush this November may not be certain, if he is, these two Brits, who write for The Economist magazine, claim it "would cement [Republicans'] lock on power" for years to come. Even if Senator John Kerry wins, his victory would slow the conservative trend, not reverse it. While the authors hedge many of their forecasts, one thing that refreshingly distinguishes it: lots of bold predictions.

Micklethwait and Wooldridge attempt to explain what they regard as our growing conservatism, why this trend is occurring, and what sets American conservatism apart from conservatism elsewhere. Their fairly balanced discussion of recent American history alone makes the book worth reading. Even those steeped in Americana will learn unusual facts about the United States from these two Brits: everything from the Texas Ranger motto ("One riot, one ranger") to Harvard being around long enough ago to offer Galileo a chaired professorship.

Yet, the central premises will not convince all American conservatives. For some, with federal government continually growing and Supreme Court decisions on everything from the "rational" basis for homosexuality to affirmative action, it may be hard to accept their claim that the United States is becoming more "conservative." The authors, however, take a longer-term view. They first trace U.S. political history over the last fifty years, from Eisenhower to Reagan, and now George W. Bush. The Bush family tree from Senator Prescott Bush to George W. Bush provides another case study of the movement towards conservatism.

When you look at their comparisons of the Eisenhower and George W. Bush presidencies, Micklethwait and Wooldridge do present a strong case that the country certainly looks more conservative in many important dimensions from tax rates to regulations. Micromanaging the economy and price controls (with some exceptions such as pharmaceuticals) are taken less seriously then they used to be.

-snip-

[Khurkris]

A good review by one of my favorite writers. Thanks!

[LibertyLight]

These authors were interviewed recently by John Bachelor on his radio show WABC here in NY -(not sure what other affiliates there are) - I found it fascinating and actually very positive as to the development and early beginnings of American conservatism - as if our American moral integrity, personal accountability, love of Freedom, core values and deep faith in God is a driving force and foundation which far surpasses the thinking of Europe.
Having lived in Europe for a number of years and now married to a European (now a patriot,proud new American citizen) -- I really understand first-hand.

[jnarcus]

From their words to God's ears...we will only be lucky and blessed should this come to pass

[The Californian]

bump for later read

[happygrl]

Look at this:

Yet, the country is surely more socially liberal in other dimensions. For example, up until the late 1960s, virtually all the public high schools in New York City had a shooting team and students would each day publicly carry their guns with them to and from school each day.

[happygrl]

But one thing is certain about this book, sometimes you learn more about your own country by seeing it through the eyes of a people from another country and Micklethwait and Wooldridge are particularly keen observers.

DeToqueville set the standard.

His insights are consistent with these authors views, giving credence to the idea of an American Character and Worldview that was established early on and that has remained remarkably consistent.