Conservative Response

This Month's Topic

What should the government role in the economy be?

The original liberal-conservative split was political: monarchy, order, and tradition versus democracy, revolution, and change. With the Industrial Revolution, the question turned to economics and the idea of "economic rights". It was unfettered markets and social stability versus workers rights and government involvement. In the post-Industrial Age, the issues may be different but the question remains: how involved should the government be in economic decisions?

Conservative Response:

One thing the introduction left out is a key component for conservatives: the rule of law. Yes we believe in the market, but also the law. Without the rule of law, corruption and crime become the rule.

Having said that, the conservative idea is that people should be left to make a living for themselves and their family, unencumbered by government interference.

We should establish by law constitutional restrictions on business — racist exclusion from housing and employment, pollution, etc. — and enforce the law. But we should relieve businesses of burdensome regulations and heavy-handed taxation. THIS is what will stimulate the economy and get people working.

— Editor