Posted on 06/29/2021 4:02:43 AM PDT by polymuser
What is it to be a conservative? A happy warrior— firm in faith, grounded in goodness and respect, grateful and focused, resilient and other-regarding, someone who lives for the future with unblinking reference to the past. He or she is an undeterred fighter, full of heart and taking a long view in both directions, resolved to high purpose. From Edmund Burke to Russell Kirk, this is the true conservative—a happy warrior.
The happy warrior is an American who understands unwavering defense of principle, individual rights, hard work, and an equal shot at “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” aware of sacrifice, tradition, and history without omission.
The happy warrior’s life turns on inner calm, observable confidence, and unity around ideals. He or she is not afraid of crossing swords in the battle for truth, even as past generations crossed real swords at Bunker Hill, Yorktown, Gettysburg, Omaha, Sword and Juno Beaches, Okinawa, and Iwo. Leaders lead in their time and venue, and happy warriors never shy from the dogged pursuit of truth.
Our time is one in which conservative ideas are being challenged, but the phenomenon is not new. Nor is the need to draw inspiration, strength, and the happy warrior’s confidence from the past. Our founders, despite unthinkable stress, were inspired in their day to stay the course.
(Excerpt) Read more at digitaledition.qwinc.com ...
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