Principles and Heresies

Republican Bug-Out PRINCIPLES (6% HERESIES Frank 5. Meyer

OX eican political parties are not paradigms of ideological purity—nor, in our system, ought they be. But despite the large measure of com- promise and consensus by which they function, they have usually taken a broadly principled position on major national issues. When they have persistently re- fused to do so (as with the Whigs during the years of their decline), they have forfeit- ed their place in the politics of the nation. And right- ly so, since the re- fusal to take a firm position, on a difficult but vital national issue is a repudiation of a political party’s responsibility to the Republic. Un- bridled opportunism can sometimes lead to temporary electoral victory, but the illusion of strength that fol- lows such a victory is like the fever fit that precedes collapse. Meyer

FS

About the Author

Frank S. Meyer

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

Featured Tags

Presidential Election

Foreign Policy

Conservatism

Republican Bug-Out PRINCIPLES (6% HERESIES Frank 5. Meyer

OX eican political parties are not paradigms of ideological purity—nor, in our system, ought they be. But despite the large measure of com- promise and consensus by which they function, they have usually taken a broadly principled position on major national issues. When they have persistently re- fused to do so (as with the Whigs during the years of their decline), they have forfeit- ed their place in the politics of the nation. And right- ly so, since the re- fusal to take a firm position, on a difficult but vital national issue is a repudiation of a political party’s responsibility to the Republic. Un- bridled opportunism can sometimes lead to temporary electoral victory, but the illusion of strength that fol- lows such a victory is like the fever fit that precedes collapse. Meyer