Bush administration policies are establishing the conservative standard for freedom for the coming generation. Few presidents have invoked freedom more often than Bush, and none in recent decades has shown such open contempt for the Rule of Law. His proclamation of a right to spy on American citizens without even a retroactive rubberstamp warrant from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court is the latest example of his belief in presidential supremacy as the ultimate liberty.
Many conservatives are trumpeting support for anything Bush does. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), approved of Bush’s warrantless wiretaps because “None of your civil liberties matter much after you’re dead.” Perhaps Cornyn would also say that none of your property rights matter either, so the feds should be permitted to loot anyone and everyone.
Many conservatives in recent decades were sincere in proclaiming their faith in and passion for freedom. A few conservatives have objected to some of Bush’s most brazen powergrabs. But the silence of the vast majority of conservative activists regarding Bush’s abuses assures that they will have no credibility on freedom for many years to come.
I’m delighted to see you have a blog. Although I’ve heard of you for a number of years I have only read references to your work. However, I just bought 5 of your books. I’ll consume one per week. I’m delighted to finally appreciate your work.
Regarding your post, you mention the “silence of the vast majority of conservative activists.” Might this include also the Religious RIght? I’ve written recently myself that they appear to have sold their birthright for a lobbyist’s pottage. What is your perspective on the RR’s lack of criticism of advancing totalitarianism? What may happen to them as statist powers increase?