During one of the more beleaguered stretches of his administration, President Bush invited several conservative correspondents to the White House. The commentators emerged to write positive things about their visit. Presidential meetings usually impress.
Nevertheless, although some of the participants had criticized certain Bush policies and aspects of his performance, they did not sell out by expressing their admiration for the man. Indeed, they continued to call balls and strikes as they saw them, even when the calls went against a side they generally favored.
Kathleen Parker -- whose syndicated material appears on our Op/Ed page -- recently hopped a ride aboard Air Force One. A column that appeared last Thursday discussed a conversation with President Obama. Parker praised his optimism. In Internet postings she also complimented his person and his family. She called the Obama daughters "adorable."
Factions among the so-called conservative movement promptly detonated. Professional loudmouths accused Parker of falling for the trappings of power. She did no such thing, of course, but her criticism of Sarah Palin already had made her a heretic in the eyes of purists. Parker writes gracefully, possesses a sense of humor, and can take a hit. She will do fine.
We're a little worried about conservatives as "conservatives," though. It was not that long ago that conservatives lamented the coarsening of culture. They urged a return to decency and civility. Their best thinkers had wit, did not fear intellectual engagement, and depicted leftists as ideological inquisitors.
Now, apparently, some conservatives want to read out of the party anyone who dares to suggest a Democratic president might have an attractive manner and a versatile mind. Moreover, a significant portion of the base seems more interested in deciding who does not belong than in inviting people to join. Individuals such as Barry Goldwater, William F. Buckley, and -- perhaps -- Ronald Reagan might not make the cut these days. Let's not dwell on Whittaker Chambers, Frank Meyer, and other names lost to the mists. The mood is sour enough.
Among many on the right the whine has replaced the good-natured argument. This brand of conservatism has adopted a stance simultaneously belligerent and defensive. It is not a pretty sight. This editorial obviously was written by V.I. Lenin.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement