Conservatism does not need to be socially liberal

In a recent op-ed (“How to save the GOP: Advice from a teen”) a Catholic Republican 19-year-old put forth a plan to revivify the “outdated ideology” of the GOP. In the piece, he stated that the GOP does not represent the values of our younger generation, and therefore should adopt policies of social liberalism and distance itself from religious zealots. As a Catholic Conservative 20-year-old, I feel obligated to counter this narrative in verifiable terms and lay bare the ideology at the heart of American Conservatism.

The foundation of political Conservatism is social conservatism.

Take the word “conservative,” it means, quite literally, to conserve. What are we conserving?

From the Declaration of Independence to the Federalist Papers, a common thread can be found: belief in and acknowledgment of universal truth. Conservatism strives to translate that truth into policy, into a nonmalleable ideology transcendent of time and circumstance which is applicable in all situations.

Once acknowledged, adhering to a truth can indeed give the appearance of stagnation, and provide a tantalizing target at which opponents may take aim. The suggestion that the Conservative party, i.e. the GOP, should become more socially liberal would require its existence to cease, because in doing so the GOP would be forsaking its most basic fundamentals.

Social conservatism is much more than a stereotypical straight, white family saying grace before a meal. Social conservatism is prudence, faith and self control, belief in the intrinsic value of every individual, and unalienable rights given by our Creator. Conservative values are what crossed the Delaware, bled at Gettysburg, stormed beaches and liberated humanity from fascism and communism.

Modern society has unsurprisingly given rise to social liberalism, due mostly to the ready availability of “everything, all the time.”

Social liberalism might say, “Why bother tying yourself down to principles which might keep you from doing whatever you please? After all, you can. Stand up for only what affects you.”

By its very nature social liberalism is destined to fail due to the lack of limiting principles. Eventually nothing will be worth anything to anyone. Abortion leads to euthanasia, then what? If the value of human life itself is debatable or relative, then what constitutes murder?

To touch on another point, there is an unfortunate misconception of the GOP as a party whose primary concern is a good economy. The image of Orwellian Capitalists which originated in the Reagan era has remained a stereotype to this day. While economic policy is certainly a strong contributing factor in many people’s decision to vote Red, it is a great disservice to millions of people to assume that their bottom line is their only concern. Social conservatism by nature breeds financial prosperity.

Our young friend does have one very urgent point. The GOP needs something. This something can be summarized in one word, communication. It is gravely important that the GOP accurately communicate its rationale and policy. In the current media environment, this is a daunting task, but it can be done!

Conservatives must conquer the false narratives which are so prevalent by plainly laying out their platform. Legal immigration for all who wish to share our national identity. Immigrants, by the way, are overwhelmingly socially conservative. Science-based respect for the unborn. Condemning early atrocities, while clearly outlining the dangers of whitewashing history by tearing it down.

The GOP’s best chance for a roaring comeback is to provide a crystalline binary to the ever changing progressive Left. “Voters want a choice, not a reflection.” There is no room for concessions, we must stand true to our time-tested principles and fight. This isn’t a battle for the “soul of America,” it is a battle for America herself.

Bilal Gilbertie is a resident of Bridgeport.