Joseph Scotchie notes that the term 'Paleoconservatism' arose in the 1980's, perhaps in opposition to the rise of the 'neoconservatism', which is the so called conservatism of the Beltway Right. 'Neoconservatism' was first articulated as an ideology by Irving Kristol who characterized himself as a "liberal mugged by reality." Neocons essentially accept the FDR New Deal, the Welfare State, an interventionist foreign policy, open borders and cosmpolitian internationalism, whereas paleoconservatives reject these instruments of big government.
Paleoconservatism resonates with Middle America and stands opposed to not only liberalism, but to the pseudoconservatism of the Northeastern Establishment and the Beltway, which acquiesces with much of liberalism's vision for America. Neocons characterize themselves as realists and concede big government is here to stay, we just to need to capture its machinery and utilize it for our ends. Hence, the virtual abandonment of the idea lauded by Republicans in the 1980s to abolish the federal Dept. of Education. Now, in 21st century, they've told the Democrats we'll match your federal education appropriation and double it. Is it any wonder the Left is winning in this game of tug and war, neocons used to be just 2 decades behind liberals on what was acceptable. And today, well... sigh...
The Old Right traces its early twentieth century roots to New Deal opposition. It was a diverse group to say the least, including classical republicans, populists, paleolibertarians, Midwestern agrarians and Southern traditionalists. There are schisms amongst modern day paleoconservatives over issues like free trade, however, those who articulate a free trade position often due so with reservations and remained opposed to free trade treaties and the WTO such as Congressman Ron Paul of Texas.
Featured are essays from Russell Kirk, the father of twentieth century conservatism, who addresses the question of tradition and the relevance of class, status, religion and culture to American life. Murray Rothbard offers a tongue-in-cheek look at Life in the Old Right, which gives a window into the anti-FDR New Deal opposition. Populist economist William R. Hawkins defends a protectionist trade policy and sets out to prove the destructiveness of a free trade policy in his essay the Anti-History of Free Trade Idelogy. James Burnham, author of Suicide of the West, offers an essay on 'the managerial society.' Conservative thinker Allan Carlson offers his thoughts on education, home and family. Other essayist featured are Paul Gottfried, Richard Weaver and Clyde Wilson.
The Paleoconservatives captures the essence of an authentic American conservatism. Certainly it has a divergent cast of characters with varying positions. However, their common commitment to classical republicanism, parochial regionalism and federalism generally bridges the gap. They hardly seek to play the all or nothing game the neoconservatives play in trying to articulate a 'general will' for the whole nation, but rather favor devolution, states' rights and a doctrine of federalism commensurate with original intent. Paleoconservatives aren't afraid to put America First, despite being denounced as xenophobes, reactionaries and various other slurs.
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