Conservatism’s underpinnings seem too nebulous to me.
When the Ayatollas or the Chinese leadership can be called conservative then the term has lost all functional value and meaning.
Now I am no expert but my study indicates that Classical Liberalism is based on solid principles.
Free Speech, Civil Discourse, Individualism...and more as described in the following... all of which were the bedrock of America as founded
Here is an article listing and elucidating the Principles of Classical Liberalism...
https://www.rationalargumentator.com/index/blog/2014/07/principles-classical-liberalism/
Principle 1. The life of each individual is an absolute and universal moral value. No non-aggressive individual’s life, liberty, or property may be legitimately sacrificed for any goal.
Principle 2. Every individual owns his body, his mind, and the labor thereof, including the physical objects legitimately obtained through such labor.
Principle 3. Every individual has the right to pursue activities for the betterment of his life – including its material, intellectual, and emotional aspects – by using his own body and property, as well as the property of consenting others.
Principle 4. The rights of an individual to life, liberty, and property are inherent to that individual’s nature. They are not granted by other human beings, and they cannot be taken away by any entity.
Principle 5. The initiation of physical force, the threat of such force, or fraud against any individual is never permissible – irrespective of the position and character of the initiator. However, proportionate force may be used to retaliate and defend against aggression.
Principle 6. The sole fundamental purpose of government is to protect the rights of individuals by engaging in actions specifically delegated to the government by its constituents. Government is not the same as society, nor is the government entitled to sacrifice some non-aggressive individuals to advance the well-being of others.
Principle 7. Every individual has the absolute right to think and express any ideas. Thought and speech are never equivalent to force or violence and ought never to be restricted or to be subject to coercive penalties. Specifically, coercion and censorship on the basis of religious or political ideas are not acceptable under any circumstances.
Principle 8. Commerce, technology, and science are desirable, liberating forces that are capable of alleviating historic ills, improving the quality of human life, and morally elevating human beings. The complete freedom of trade, innovation, and thought should be preserved and supported for all human beings in the world.
Principle 9. Accidents of birth, geography, or ancestry do not define an individual and should not result in manmade restrictions of that individual’s rights or opportunities. Every individual should be judged purely on his or her personal qualities, including accomplishments, character, and knowledge.
Principle 10. There are no “natural” or desirable limits to human potential for good, and there is no substantive problem that is necessarily unsolvable by present or future human knowledge, effort, and technology. It is a moral imperative for humans to expand their mastery of the universe indefinitely and in such a manner as will reinforce the survival and flourishing of all non-aggressive individuals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A party is needed that in some form stands upon these bedrock Principles
One advantage may be that ‘liberals’ think that they are ‘liberals’ even though often their interpretation of Classical Liberalism is flawed and incomplete.
They have stolen the name of a noble Political and Social Philosophy and use it to hide and disguise their totalitarian bent.
But the ones that are attracted by the term liberal, and can be taught what Classical Liberalism actually is,
may become attracted to it and help espouse it to other ‘liberals’ giving birth to Classical Liberals.
There are many online resources that can deepen your understanding and appreciation of Classical Liberalism.
comments?
Kanawa, I think you are onto something here. The popularity among young men of Jordan Peterson, who articulates this well, is proof. There are smart young people who sense that Classical Liberalism is what they truly believe in and what is best for us, but the hard left has appropriated the word “liberalism” and redefined it to mean “socialism”. Well done, Kanawa.
Sadly, Dr. Peterson’s health issues have put him out of service for some time, but here’s hoping he will make a successful comeback. But let’s not depend on one lone Canadian. We need to spread the word ourselves. More to come on how we might do that from me, and, I hope, others here.