Conservatives must embrace responsibility and reject victimhood
This essay is a part of The Right Way Forward, Restoring America’s new think tank debate series in which leading conservative institutions argue the defining questions of the post-Trump era. Read about the series here.
TL;DR
- The conservative movement should return to its roots, reject victimhood, and embrace the potential of a free society.
- The founding generation opposed specific tyrannical actions and sought self-governance, not victimhood.
- Grievance politics, stoked by the Left and some on the New Right, is counterproductive and fosters a victimhood mentality.
- The top 1% of Americans pay a significant amount in income taxes, refuting claims of not paying their fair share.
- Activism for aggrieved groups does not improve lives but convinces people they lack agency.
- Some fringe voices on the New Right blame groups like Jews for societal problems.
- Protectionist trade policies can harm U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.
- Young conservatives face challenges but should seek constructive reforms rather than succumbing to defeatism.
- The entitlement system (Social Security and Medicare) is heading towards insolvency, posing a burden on younger generations.
- Overcoming national challenges requires embracing personal responsibility and reducing government intrusion.