Too many people think of conservatism as a team that we should cheer even when it's wrong. Winning arguments and mocking idiocy are important. But the real agenda must include an attempt to persuade. As with the so-called war on poverty, the real goal for the conservative movement should be its own obsolescence. The health of the conservative movement shouldn't be measured by the fullness of think-tank coffers and Republican seats in legislatures, but by the overall direction of the country. It seems that some right-wingers who've gotten rich off of winning shouting matches (in the minds of their fans at least) have abandoned even the hypothetical goal of persuading their opponents. Meanwhile conservatives who attempt to persuade or deal with liberal arguments on their own terms or influence events in the realm of the possible are routinely denounced as sell-outs, opportunists, approval-seekers, courtiers, or closet liberals.Yes. Jonah is absolutely right. This might just be a good topic for the MVCA column at some point... Read the whole thing.
Mark's Remarks
Just had to chime in here...Jonah nails it on the head...We should not be seeking to have conservatism endure, we need to get to the point when this movement is no longer needed....
However, I do think the bulk of conservatives hope for that goal....
I think this same mindset should be taken by the NAACP, you know...instead of trying to guarantee its perpetual existence it should fight for the day when it is not needed, rather than choosing to create new problems (perceived racism in government, sports, media) while not fixing persistent ones (the achievement gap, poverty, irresponsiblity, or the entire message Cosby was trying to convey). It should be the attitude taken by the ACLU, but I am not holding my breath.
I long for the day when conservatism is not needed, when the ideals of it have won out and we will no longer need the footsoldiers in an active conflict, but simply to remain studious and stalwart should the fever swamps need draining again....
