Letter to the Editor - Back to conservative basics

Editor,

Edmund Burke (1729-1797), the Anglo-Irish statesman and philosopher is regarded by most political historians as the father of the modern British Conservative. Winston Churchill constantly quoted him in the House of Commons, wrote about him in his books, and saw him as a teller of truths by which to measure himself. Russell Kirk’s 500-page book published in 1953 in the United States was entitled “The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Santayana.” This book is normally cited as the first book outlining the modern American conservative movement. 

What if comparisons of direct quotes from Burke are made to what is commonly termed “conservatism” by many who self-identify themselves as such in today’s America. Let’s look at one Burke quote: 

“Whenever our neighbor’s house is on fire, it cannot be amiss for the engines to play a little on our own. Better to be despised for too anxious apprehensions, than ruined by too confident security.” 

One cannot read this without the thought of the COVID-19 pandemic, now a year since the first deaths in Santa Clara County, California. The quote above clearly indicates the need for a cautious conservative approach towards a burning house, in order to protect others, with an act in a responsible manner regardless of possible opposition. 

Was the Republican response to COVID-19 at the national level and in most states in alignment with Edmund Burke’s philosophy? My impression is that it was not. Perhaps the basics of conservatism need to be revisited in 2021. 

In a democracy, one has the option to believe what they wish. And I’m not an ardent student of conservative thought. I’m only trying to perhaps encourage those who may truly be on Burke’s path to try and regain a place which might be absent today. 

Erwin Curry

Missoula