I scrolled through this thread, hoping to find that the British Conservative Party was returning to its traditional principles, but found quite the contrary. That is sad. But then I stumbled on your little exchange, at the end, which perked me up.
You are, of course, correct. (For an essay on traditional Amerian Foreign policy, which was anything but isolationist, see An American Foreign Policy.)
I have Washington's Farewell Address posted at my web site, and it may be linked from the above essay. I do not yet have the Memorandum, which Jefferson prepared for Washington in 1793 on relevant issues, but will post that also one of these days. This policy was not intended for a time and place. It is the most practical and easily adaptable for all situations. It is premised upon basic fairness and respect. We treat all with respect. If they do not treat us with respect back, however; if they threaten our legitimate interests, we take whatever action is required. Meanwhile, we offer the hand of friendship and trade to all the peoples of the earth.
Those who scoff at that policy, either do not understand it--however easy it is to understand--or they have some sort of agenda that does not put American interests foremost. Obviously, you do not abandon a policy that has served us so well, in favor of policies that have failed others, if your objective is the same as that of our founders.
William Flax Return Of The Gods Web Site
Exactly. Certain philosophical ideas are timeless. Those who say that the founders' opinions on foreign policy are "outmoded" are similar to those liberals who advocate a "living constitution".
That translates into: "I have some ulterior motive and/or un-American political agenda which can only be achieved by undermining the philosophical principles of the Founders"