BTW, in our "Patriot's History of the United States," we argue that a single speech by Reagan---the "Star Wars" speech---virtually ended the Cold War. The power of words is unbelievable, far more so than the power of regulations or laws. If that's true, then the emphasis on liberty will inevitably change the dialogue in America, and will, IMHO, end the modern Dem Party, which is the party of dependency.
A quibble: might that be best expressed as "the power of ideas", the words being merely the messenger?
Good point.
Words do matter and do mean things.
I would disagree with your statement that any true conservative has to be thrilled that for the first time since Lincoln someone is emphasizing human liberty as the central mission of the USA on several fronts. First off, Lincoln didn't give a hoot about liberty. Lincoln's only goal, often stated was preserving the Union, even if he had to go about it in an unconstitutional manner. In fact, he stated often that liberty wasn't the issue early and often. It wasn't until years into the war that he made the abolitionist goal his own....and even then, the Emancipation Proclamation very carefully applied only to the slave areas in rebellion, not to those slave areas still part of the Union. The second area of disagreement would be this idea that all true conservatives will thrill at this statement that it is the goal of the US to deliver freedom to the rest of the world. If you had said neo-conservative, I might have agreed. But most true conservatives will probably be appalled at such sentiments. Sovereign nations are entitled to the form of governments that they decide to set up. It is none of our business until it threatens our security. If the extent of this stated policy is in moral and some sort of financial support, true conservatives will probably go along. If however, this includes sending troops into various countries to "liberate" them without some real threat to our security then I think you will see conservatives revolt in much the same manner that they are going to do with this insane "guest worker" program. Seal our own borders first if you are so concerned about security, then worry about promoting democracy abroad.
I agree. While words are meaningless without action to back them up, they DO mean things. G.W. isn't just instilling in the hearts of the oppressed across the sea that they can be Free. Powerful enough if that were all he were doing. He is also causing Americans to yearn for the ultimate expressions of Freedom within their own land.
Consider, has the conservative movement EVER been stronger in decades? Are we to think this coincidental? No. It is happening because G.W. has created an atmosphere where we feel free to debate and express. When released from constraint conservatives florish.
People will complain that his policies are not conservative enough. They miss the larger picture. G.W. has constructed policies that implement responsibility and individual liberty. Once these become wedded to our thought Americans become increasingly embolded to demand more liberties. Unions, Public Education, political parties, Judicial... This may not all happen under his watch but he has begun esstential movements that will continue its progress.
I am Thrilled at his emphasis on Liberty and I continually find similarity with Lincoln. I would move further. I would state any American Patriot, no, further, all human souls that pride their value should be thrilled that Liberty has been advanaced for all peoples.