Frum proposes an agenda that uses conservative principles to actually solve,
rather than just talk about, serious problems. He wants universally
available health insurance, but offered through the private sector; lower
taxes to encourage savings and investment, but higher taxes on energy and
pollution to promote conservation; a conservative environmentalism that
promotes nuclear power to reduce our need for oil and coal (this would
satisfy the Left's misguided belief in "global warming," while
simultaneously pleasing the Right by freeing us from dependence on foreign
oil); federal policies to encourage larger families; major reductions in
unskilled immigration; a campaign for prison reform and a campaign against
obesity; higher ethical standards inside the conservative movement and
Republican Party; and a renewed commitment to expand and rebuild the armed
forces in order to crush terrorism and prepare for the coming challenge from
China.
I would add a micro-loan program to help the poor out of poverty, rather
than more government programs that subsidize the poor in their poverty and
offer no hope for the future.
Conservatives also need to do a better job of storytelling. They should
celebrate people who have overcome poverty and hopelessness as examples to
others. It is not enough for conservatives to advocate for lower taxes and
smaller government if the purpose is for Americans to acquire more money and
material goods Americans already have so much they are renting storage units
in which to place the overflow. Imagine the economic - even spiritual -
revival that might occur if conservatives "adopted" one person or family and
made it their goal to help them improve their lives. There are few thrills
greater than seeing a life transformed in which you have played a part.
Reducing the "need" for government would shrink its size and cost. It also
would pay political dividends for conservatism and the Republican Party.
If conservatives really want to win, they will adopt new ideas based on old
principles. Conservatives are in danger of losing the coming election and
future ones because they have not reinvented themselves for a new era.
Liberal ideas mostly don't work. Conservatives must demonstrate to voters
their ideas do.