Townhall.com, Where Your Opinion Counts
Talk Radio:   Bill Bennett   Mike Gallagher   Dennis Prager   Michael Medved   Hugh Hewitt   
BREAKING NEWS  LeftArrow - Townhall.com : Conservative, Political, Republican   RightArrow - Townhall.com : Conservative, Political, Republican  
Columns, funnies & more in your inbox!
  • Check the boxes and send us your email address to receveive your free newsletter
  • Your daily must-read of conservative columns, cartoons and news. Coulter, Sowell, Krauthammer and more.
  • Townhall.com’s weekly inside scoop on what’s happening behind the scenes in the world of politics. When news breaks, we report.
  • Signup to receive the latest daily Townhall cartoons
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Rebecca Hagelin :: Townhall.com Columnist
"The Conservative's Handbook"
by Rebecca Hagelin
Vote on It:
Average Vote:
[+] Text [-]
 
 
Poll
Will Sarah Palin make a run at the GOP Nomination in 2012?


In the wake of last Tuesday’s election, there’s a lot of soul-searching going on among conservatives. Where, many ask, did we go wrong? It’s not simply a matter of tactics. Some are wondering what, exactly, we believe and why. Enter “The Conservative’s Handbook.”

Clearly, at such a pivotal time, the need for fact-based, reliable information on the issues couldn’t be greater. And that’s what Phil Valentine provides in “The Conservative’s Handbook: Defining the Right Positions on Issues from A to Z.” With so few students learning about civics in school anymore, Valentine, a popular radio host heard in more than 40 markets across the nation, clearly and accurately explains America’s success as a free and prosperous nation.

Don’t be intimidated by the scope of his topic. Valentine’s book couldn’t be more reader-friendly. From “America’s goodness” to “Zero tolerance on crime,” he takes readers on a tour of the seminal issues they face today, allowing them to test themselves on the topics that matter most to an informed electorate.

But Valentine also makes you think about the Big Picture. He answers thought-provoking questions about freedom, where it came from, and what maintains it. There’s a reason, after all, that America is the country that people flock to from all around the world -- and as informed conservatives, we need to be able to explain what that is. Valentine reflects on our responsibility as citizens to be involved in our government by holding our leaders accountable, and why it’s critical that we realize why and how our freedoms are at stake.

When liberals ask why you don’t believe in big government, what do you say? Valentine will help you explain your views in ways that help people understand how history has repeatedly shown that it is freedom, hard work and personal responsibility -- not government intervention -- that produces the strongest and most prosperous nations.

Think about it. What do you believe about taxes? How do fiscal issues relate to your freedom and that of your family? What about education? What would happen if only your children were allowed to walk through the school doors because parents were no longer allowed to take part in their children’s education? And were you aware that where gun control is stronger, crime rates are higher? “The Conservative’s Handbook” outlines a principled approach to explaining the conservative values that are the bedrock of American freedom.

Valentine explains that America was founded as a capitalist nation, and that the country has survived because its Constitution provides ultimate control to citizens, not to their government. He shows the stark contrast between America and nations that run on socialism. History has proven repeatedly that people prosper and succeed when they are free to build businesses, order their lives as they see fit, and exercise their own free will to give to those in need.

Yet in far too many nations today, people are not free to do as they please. Many are killed for speaking their minds, for standing up for what they believe. And unless we want to see the same fate to someday befall our beloved country, we need to protect our freedoms. Continued...

1 2
| Full Article & Comments | Next >
Share:
Vote on It:
Average Vote:
 
About The Author
Rebecca Hagelin is a public speaker on the family and culture and the author of the new best seller, 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family.
 
TOWNHALL DAILY: Be the first to read Rebecca Hagelin's column. Sign up today and receive Townhall.com daily lineup delivered each morning to your inbox.
David in NY
You are proof that Conservatism is correct. Your comments have no depth or substance.

I was looking for just this book
I was searching Barns and Noble last night and as I was getting frustrated looking for a real conservative book spotted The Conservative Handbook. Once I got it home I started reading...I'm paying for it at work since I didn't get to sleep until the wee small hours...Brilliant, informative and I can't wait to get home to continue reading it.

Thanks Phil
Sign Up to Post Your CommentsSign Up to Post Your Comments
If you are already registered, click here to login. Otherwise, please take a few seconds to register with Townhall.com. Once you sign up, you’ll be able to post your comments immediately, use the action center, get podcasts, and more!
Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are required.
Salutation:
First Name:
*
Last Name:
*
Email:
*
Nickname:
*
Note: Nick name will be shown when you post comments.
Address 1:
*
Address 2:
City:
*
State:
*
Zip:
*
Phone:
      
Your daily must-read of conservative columns, cartoons and news. Coulter, Sowell, Krauthammer and more.
(Bi-Weekly) We highlight the best opportunities from our partners for surveys, action items and more.