Dear Mr. Goldberg,
Irving Kristol wrote “Neoconservatism is the first variant of American conservatism in the past century that is in the “American grain.” It is hopeful, not lugubrious; forward-looking, not nostalgic; and its general tone is cheerful, not grim or dyspeptic.” While this is self-flattering phraseology, I think “optimistic conservatism” isn’t a bad way to put it. Or, neoconservatives are John Adams in 1776; conservatives are John Adams in 1796.
Yours,
[Name withheld]