Brothers Under the Skin

The time has come to refute the notion, more widespread in the United States than in Europe, that conservatism is opposed to trade unionism. In actual fact the conservative philosophy welcomes and encourages local autonomies such as unions. In European history conservatives have actively supported the progress of organized labor. And in the future conservatives know they must ally themselves still more closely with the trade unions in order to protect the liberty of all.

Here I must make it clear that when I say “conservatives” I am not referring to any single political party. There are men on the Right, in the middle, and on the Left who have basically conservative views. Conservatism reflects an attitude of mind that gives allegiance to enduring principles that rule the lives of men and of nations. It is founded on the recognition of God and a belief in a moral order superior to human law, transcending the power of monarch and majority alike. Because the conservative recognizes each man’s responsibility to this higher law, he deduces the necessity of individual liberty and he respects the inalienable rights of men. His attitude toward the State derives from his devotion to these principles: for he justifies the power of the State only as it conduces to the preservation of the rights and liberty of individuals and collectivities within the State.

OH

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Otto von Habsburg

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The time has come to refute the notion, more widespread in the United States than in Europe, that conservatism is opposed to trade unionism. In actual fact the conservative philosophy welcomes and encourages local autonomies such as unions. In European history conservatives have actively supported the progress of organized labor. And in the future conservatives know they must ally themselves still more closely with the trade unions in order to protect the liberty of all.

Here I must make it clear that when I say “conservatives” I am not referring to any single political party. There are men on the Right, in the middle, and on the Left who have basically conservative views. Conservatism reflects an attitude of mind that gives allegiance to enduring principles that rule the lives of men and of nations. It is founded on the recognition of God and a belief in a moral order superior to human law, transcending the power of monarch and majority alike. Because the conservative recognizes each man’s responsibility to this higher law, he deduces the necessity of individual liberty and he respects the inalienable rights of men. His attitude toward the State derives from his devotion to these principles: for he justifies the power of the State only as it conduces to the preservation of the rights and liberty of individuals and collectivities within the State.