How About Simply “Conservative”? (National Radio Commentary / Salem-Townhall.com) March 17, 2015

I am wary of a number of the adjectives used by recent Republican presidential candidates—adjectives modifying the noun conservative.  George W. Bush ran as a “compassionate” conservative, and John McCain was a “maverick” conservative.  Mitt Romney unsuccessfully tried to sell himself as “severely” conservative. Now the frontrunner for the 2016 nomination, Jeb Bush, has come out as a “reform” conservative.

Isn’t anyone content to be just a conservative anymore?

In Bush’s case, I’m concerned that “reform” indicates a willingness to accept big government solutions.  His two major reform ideas so far, K-12 education and immigration, aren’t classically conservative. One would apply common core standards and more testing to a field that has always been under state and local control. And his immigration reform would legalize millions who came to this country illegally.

Big government conservatism isn’t really conservative.  At best it’s conservatism lite.

Let’s hope candidates will stand up for individual liberty, limited government and true conservatism.

Link to Salem-Townhall.com audio:  http://townhall.com/talkradio/audioplayer/699452