That’s where “Getting America Right” comes in. Written by Feulner and Doug Wilson, chairman of Townhall.com, it’s packed with the insights today’s conservatives need if they’re to reconnect with the only political philosophy proven to expand freedom, limit government, promote prosperity and increase security.
Feulner and Wilson present a six-question test that politicians should apply to any policy proposal to see if it’s truly conservative:
1) Is it the government’s business? “We believe that federal involvement in the lives of American citizens should be minimal, with Washington being the last resort when no other alternative can be found,” they write. Decisions should be made as close as possible to the people who are affected by them.
2) Does it promote self-reliance? Government should provide assistance to its weakest members, they say, but welfare must be a two-way street, with an individual getting help from society at large in exchange for becoming a self-sufficient individual.
3) Is it responsible? “A responsible government lives within its means,” they write. “Irresponsible behavior breeds irresponsible citizens, fueling a vicious cycle that threatens freedom.”
4) Does it make America more prosperous? Our most productive citizens struggle with the burden of too many regulations, heavy taxation and stiff trade barriers. Yet, in view of the clear link between economic freedom and prosperity, it’s largely government’s job to get out of the way.
5) Does it make us safer? A strong national security must be Washington’s primary concern. “We must fight terrorism at home and abroad, with force when necessary and with unceasing efforts to spread democracy around the world,” they write.
6) Does it unify us? America enjoys a rich diversity of peoples, but our basic national identity and values bind us together, Feulner and Wilson note. We must restore citizenship to its rightful place as a privilege to be earned and teach all Americans what it means to be citizens of this great nation.
As this list shows, conservatism isn’t some pie-in-the-sky ideal -- it’s the essence of common sense. And the best way to make it more common is to read “Getting America Right” and share its timeless wisdom.
We can’t just sit back and hope that our elected officials will change. We’re Americans. It’s our job to make that change happen. “Getting America Right” points the way.