The Liberal Veto

Contemporary American conservatism as a conscious movement has come into existence largely in reaction to the development of the Liberal revolution of the last few decades. Nevertheless, despite these origins and despite the fact that, almost universally, conscious conservatives condemn Liberalism, there seems to be among many conservatives a certain lack of understanding of what Liberalism essentially is.

This leads to practical political problems of the utmost immediate importance—and in diverse quarters. It is clear how the lack of understanding of Liberalism that sees actual Communists or conscious Communist supporters in every American activity that objectively helps the Communists (when in actual fact usually it is not Communist ideology but Liberal ideology that is responsible), can disorient conservatives in their double battle against Communism and Liberalism. But at a pole of the conservative temper far removed from this outlook, there is another, and in the long run perhaps even more self-defeating form of blindness to the nature of Liberalism. This expresses itself in the idea that because of the pressing immediate danger from Communism, the main task of conservatives is to make an alliance with important sectors of the Liberal establishment, sinking all their conservative principles except anti-Communism. It is the kind of thinking which places high hopes in the anti-Communist stance of a Romney or a Rockefeller, or in persons within and around the Administration who are a little more aware of reality than those who comprise its blatant appeasement wing.

FS

About the Author

Frank S. Meyer

Frank S. Meyer was a senior editor of National Review.

Featured Tags

Contemporary American conservatism as a conscious movement has come into existence largely in reaction to the development of the Liberal revolution of the last few decades. Nevertheless, despite these origins and despite the fact that, almost universally, conscious conservatives condemn Liberalism, there seems to be among many conservatives a certain lack of understanding of what Liberalism essentially is.

This leads to practical political problems of the utmost immediate importance—and in diverse quarters. It is clear how the lack of understanding of Liberalism that sees actual Communists or conscious Communist supporters in every American activity that objectively helps the Communists (when in actual fact usually it is not Communist ideology but Liberal ideology that is responsible), can disorient conservatives in their double battle against Communism and Liberalism. But at a pole of the conservative temper far removed from this outlook, there is another, and in the long run perhaps even more self-defeating form of blindness to the nature of Liberalism. This expresses itself in the idea that because of the pressing immediate danger from Communism, the main task of conservatives is to make an alliance with important sectors of the Liberal establishment, sinking all their conservative principles except anti-Communism. It is the kind of thinking which places high hopes in the anti-Communist stance of a Romney or a Rockefeller, or in persons within and around the Administration who are a little more aware of reality than those who comprise its blatant appeasement wing.