A Look Into the Conservative Youth Movement

Scott Gray

Recently, writers have been in a quandary about the future of conservative thought. With the retirement of William F. Buckley, many have hinted that Conservatism is in bad need of a makeover from the next generation of conservative thinkers. Yet other thinkers have insulted the youth conservative movement in politics as a “handful of precocious teens.” I am one of those “precocious teens,” and I disagree with both and neither. Conservative thought is in no need of re-invention, but I cannot agree with people such as Jonah Goldberg who criticized the youth movement in a recent National Review column.

Goldberg is entitled to his opinions, but some of his reasoning for disliking youths becoming politically involved was not immensely thoughtful. In the first paragraph, he stated that he did not consider “the youth to be members of the Coalition of the Oppressed.” However, politics is something for the young and old to enjoy and savor as part of the American experience. Also, I would argue that many young Americans have knowledge of issues and are impacted by certain issues. September 11 impacted every American, rich and poor, young and old. Now, the government must work to prevent future attacks. Every American is impacted by key issues which impact our security.

Young conservatives should also begin taking an active role in government because they represent the future of conservative thought. This is not to say that they should feel entitled to destroy the trustworthy conservative thinkers such as Buckley, but young conservatives should not feel frightened or intimidated to express their opinions. Mr. Goldberg may not realize it, but the errors made today will be transferred to the thinkers of tomorrow. Where will America be in 10, 15, or 20 years? What will happen if gay marriage is made legal or Americans take stem cell research too far? Those are things that worry me.

Most importantly, they worry me now. In 15 or 20 years, I hope to have my place in government, but it may be too late then. The fight begins now, and it then becomes the steady work of a lifetime. America’s society is slipping away bit by bit, and there is definitely a need for an infusion of youth into this great party. If nothing else, young people bring a degree of exuberance and willingness to fight for important issues. As more young people begin to take part in the American political process through voting and campaigning, this is great for America and great for the Republican Party. Mr. Goldberg is wrong when he thinks that young Americans are no thought and all for quick action. Many have made important decisions to take a political stance.

Then, there is the other allegation that the Republican Party must be re-invented. This thought is both false and true. The core values of the Republican Party remain as intact as when John C. Fremont became the first Republican candidate for President in 1856. He ran on basic values of freedom and democracy. Later Republicans from Lincoln onward believed in a pro-business and pro-freedom agenda. They also believed that if freedom was threatened, America should not be afraid to defend that freedom with their lives. Those are the core values of the Republican Party, and they should remain the Republican values.

The Republican Party should by no means be re-invented, but it could very easily be re-marketed. For too long, liberals have had success with many young people in teaching that the Republican Party is a party of bigotry and evil. It is far from it; this is the party that freed the slaves in 1863 and freed the Iraqis over 150 years later. Conservatives should explain to America that they are for families and opportunity, not division. This is something I have always believed to be true.

Modern Conservatives should also mold the ideas of old to fit today’s changing world. Communism is still present in today’s world, there is a War on Terror, and America is under a continuous threat of attack. If anything, the politicians of today need to give future conservatives a shot of much-needed optimism. Every young person needs to understand the task at hand in the War on Terror and of finally eliminating communism, but they also know that this can easily be accomplished. America can preserve the family, defeat evil, stabilize the economy, and reach yet another height of her greatness.

How can this be done? It is done by both welcoming young conservatives to the great table of thought and at the same time not requesting that they reinvent the very platform of conservative thinking. Conservatives have been successful for over 150 years, and with this next generation, conservatives should get a great start toward another 150. However, neither can be done if Republicans alienate their young supporters or if those young supporters demand a whole new platform. The Republican Party should not “hip up.” Instead, it should be marketed as an alternative to bad lifestyle and promoted as a pro-family, pro-defense of freedom party. Young people such as I will listen; it is up to the conservative leadership to welcome, not alienate.