Columnist needs to define conservatism

Joseph Coady
graduate student, history

DEAR EDITOR:

I am somewhat confused by Brian Smith's Monday columns. In fact, I am a little unclear about his point of view. Would it be possible for Mr. Smith to give his readers a definition of "conservatism"?

In fact, a column where Mr. Smith defines his terms could aid his readers in determining his point of view. From his columns, it seems that "liberalism" is bad and "conservatism" is good. However, Mr. Smith has never given a definition for either. It appears that conservatism is "not liberalism", and, therefore, good.

However, a definition of conservatism could aid his readers in figuring out his point of view. For example, the PATRIOT Act is a perfect example of liberal policy from an administration that claims to be conservative. If liberalism equals big state, then the PATRIOT Act seems out of place in a conservative administration. Would Mr. Smith think that this liberal platform is bad?

Mr. Smith gives tirades against liberals but does not explain how the current administration is any different. A definition of what conservatism is, instead of what it is not, can help people to understand Mr. Smith's point of view.

Without a definition, Mr. Smith's columns are a good public form of shrill bellyaching but are of little other use.

Joseph Coady
graduate student, history

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