Wednesday, November 11, 2009

What do economic and social conservatives have in common? A lot.

There are occasionally running debates between social and economic conservatives over the need for an alliance between the two groups. This happens most particularly in the Republican Party. Some economic conservatives are annoyed at social conservatives or at least view social issues as a nuisance. And some social conservatives believe economic issues are not that important and if they are don't necessarily subscribe to a conservative view of the issues.

I believe that both economic and social conservatism flow from a worldview rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition. And in order to have a just and healthy society, both must be incorporated into social policy.

The Heritage Foundation has come out with a series of short essays on the topic entitled, "Indivisible: Social and Economic Foundations of American Liberty."

It deals with topics like the rule of law, life, free exchange, marriage, profit, family, wages, religion, international trade, culture, property, environment and education.

If we truly want a free society, one where liberty flourishes, the moral and economic components must be acted upon in society. To do so will address the most significant social problems which are generally used by the Left to promote the expansion of government involvement in all areas of life.

I would argue the Left's, big government proscriptions will ultimately not solve the problems they seek to address but will in fact make them worse. That the needs of children, the poor, the sick and vulnerable can only effectively be addressed when conservative social and economic policies and activities are acted upon. This entails for poverty fighting initiatives the encouragement of marriage, a vibrant economy, and engagement of civil organizations and individuals in assisting persons in need.

I'm excited to see the Heritage Foundation address the vital linkage between economic and social conservatives.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

}}I would argue the Left's, big government proscriptions will ultimately not solve the problems they seek to address but will in fact make them worse.}}

Former president Bush fitted your bill to the Letter and he increased the government more than any other president in a century.

Try again.


The only reason you state that their should be a connection between economic and social conservatives is because you know you are in the huge huge minority in our country, and if it wasn't for leagal protection on your behaviors and practices you wouldn't have anything to hold onto.