Customer Reviews

The Conscience of a Conservative

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Barry Goldwater's "The Conscience of a Conservative" was published in 1960 and was one of the seminal manifestos of the modern-day conservative movement, defining conservative positions in both economic policy and foreign policy. The Soviet Union is now on the ash heap of history, but Goldwater's message that a strong defense is necessary to retain freedom is timeless.

Reading this book will give conservatives a sense their movement's roots and the ideological confidence that comes with knowing that their ideas have a long and distinguished pedigree. I sometimes wonder how America would be different today if Goldwater had beaten Johnson in 1964 and the domestic policy ideas in this book, not those of the Great Society, had been implemented.

THE CONSCIENCE OF A CONSERVATIVE represents the touchstone of modern conservatism. In 1960, clearly and articulately, Barry Goldwater made the conservative case on many modern issues: the role of the federal government, federal fiscal policy, tax policy, foreign affairs (although dated now), the welfare state, and many others.

Goldwater believed that economic, political, religious and social freedoms were intertwined and dependant upon one another. For example, free markets were as necessary to a free society as the right to vote and infringement upon one was infringement upon them all. Goldwater was not alone. Towering intellects like economists Hayek, Friedman, Hazlitt and others argued the very same case with profound results.

In the late sixties, another voice would take up these arguments: Ronald Reagan. Building upon the conservative foundation of Goldwater, Reagan would initiate the Tax Reform Act of 1982 and America would enter a period of economic growth never before seen in the world. The principles that Goldwater espoused and the policies of monetarism, lower taxes (supply side economics), and fiscal restraint fueled an economic engine which is still running.

Goldwater was not a policy wonk. He was a conservative with a heart for others and compassion and love for his country. His battle cry was. "Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice and moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." But he didn't let his passion for freedom blind him to the beliefs of others. He valued debate and respected the conflict of differing opinions; he was a gentleman about discourse and politics.

Goldwater issued a warning about America's enemies when he said, "The real cause of the deterioration can be simply stated. Our enemies have understood the nature of the conflict and we have not. They are determined to win the conflict and we are not." These words are as chilling a warning today about America's enemies as they were about Communism fifty years ago.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and George Will both pay tribute to Goldwater in this 2007 version which are worth reading. As for Goldwater, I pray we will see his like again.

Overall the book was solid read, when viewed from the perspective of history. That is not too say that the work doesn't hold up well in today's environment, because it does. It's just that the references are dated and the political overtones are obvious. I think it would make a nice companion piece to something written by Ayn Rand (philosophy based) or Milton Friedman (economic based). I would also recommend reading Conscience of a Liberal by Paul Krugman. It's is a solid counterpoint to Goldwater.

I would have preferred the book be a bit more dense of ideas, however given that it's written by a politician, I can appreciate the brevity.

Thank you for your prompt mailing of this wonderful little book. Hope you have read it.

From the prior review:

"Towering intellects like economists Hayek, Friedman, Hazlitt and others argued the very same case with profound results."

Yep, and here we are in 2009 with disastrous results by movement conservatism (just let the "free" market work things out).... this book is REQUIRED reading to understand the movement conservatism that plagued (and still continues to plague) the U.S.A. - Hooray for market fundamentalism!