And The Truth Shall Set You Free: 1 of many on conservative principles

There is no doubt that today’s American voter has no basis for making a voting decision. That is because today’s politician has no values or principles from which their policies derive, but shoot from the hip, flip-flopping from one stance to another. In the wake of politicians without substance, the American voter is forced to guess at the character of our leaders. We let the media portray candidates, whether talk radio or MSNBC. We need to return to a time where candidates explain their positions based on arguments and principles. Truth is the single most important principle that we base our political voting decisions.

I’m not talking about making sure candidates are truthful or making sure candidates follow up on campaign promises. Those are important, but what is most important is what the candidate’s belief of truth is. Does a politician believe in a truth that transcends time or a truth that changes and evolves over time? Can two people with opposing positions both cling to their own valid truths? What do you believe?

I believe in a truth that transcends. The same truth that prompted the Founders to write, “We hold these truths to be self evident” in the declaration of independence. I agree with the Founders that there are certain truths that mold successful societies and are still molding them to this day. Whenever I look at a policy, I look for an underlying truth. I test the truth to see if it can be consistently applied. If it cannot, then I look for alternatives. In this way, truth is an anchor that helps us make fair and consistent decisions.

There are many that do not agree with this position. In their point of view, truth can evolve and change from one person to another. This thought renders truth irrelevant and so beliefs become based on feelings and those feelings justify policy. Is it no wonder why so many people have no rational argument for why they support a policy? Listen to their responses. I guarantee that they will start with the words “I feel.”

Regardless of whether you’re progressive or conservative, the answer to this question should be important to you. In knowing what your representative believes allows us as voters to count on and understand the votes that will be made in the future. For example, a progressive democrat who does not ascribe to an evolving truth is not likely to vote for the social changes of the day.

Conservatives should ascribe to a transcending truth that is consistent from person to person and is not contingent on how much time elapses on this earth. So many of the policies and stances we take hinge on this idea and our very platform becomes pointless without it. I believe this is why many conservative leaders are so weak. They’ve lost touch with their beliefs on truth and as a result cannot defend the policies they are trying to advance. My advice to all conservatives, get in touch with your beliefs regarding truth.