Conservatism Redefined
Description of Conservatism Redefined
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, conservatism possessed a vibrancy that resulted from spirited intellectual inquiry and open debate. However, in the years leading up to the 2008 elections, this energy seemed to fade. It was as if the conservative movement became less concerned with ideas and more concerned with the preservation of political power.
In Conservatism Redefined, Patrick Garry examines how Conservatives dug themselves into this hole, and how they can climb out. However, unlike many conservative pundits, Garry does not propose a simple, "rediscover our roots" credo. Instead, Conservatism Redefined reexamines and renews conservative ideology, explaining how the classical ideals of conservatism can be employed in new ways to address the concerns of citizens across the ethnic, generational, and economic spectrum.
Conservatism in America is currently mired in its worst crisis since the 1960s. To be sure, the crisis accompanied the declining public opinion of the Bush presidency and the resurgence of liberalism and large, aggressive government in a time of crisis. But, as Patrick Garry explains, this does not mean that conservatism has been defeated as an ideology, it means it must be redefined.
Reviews of Conservatism Redefined
Professor Garry has offered up a compelling interpretation of the state of American politics and has given conservatives much to consider and great reason for hope as they plot the course ahead.
-U.S. Senator John Thune
We need to have the arguments in what is essentially a confrontation of ideas, and Patrick Garry gives them. The outcome is a manifesto that ought to convince readers that the merits of the Right are rooted in history and human nature, therefore more worthwhile and more moral than the merits of the Left that spring from emotion and theory.
-David Pryce-Jones Senior editor, National Review, Author of The Closed Circle and The Strange Death of the Soviet Union
A thoughtful and provocative analyses. A welcome and timely reminder for conservatives of the bed-rock principles that have inspired Americans in the past and should do so again.
-Theodore B. Olson Former Solicitor General of the United States, Former Assistant General for the Office of Legal Counsel
Although some claim that conservatives care only about the rich and powerful, Patrick Garry shows in this book how conservatism is the best hope for the poor and disadvantaged.
-Frank Beckmann, The Frank Beckmann Show (ABC Radio 04/13/10)
Professor Garry's book is a welcome addition to the burgeoning literature on conservatism. He effectively debunks liberal critics and encourages followers with an historical and cultural analysis that shows how the basic principles of conservatism are relevant to our present situation. His conclusions about the Bush presidency are sure to prove as controversial as they are insightful.
-David Woodard Professor of Political Science, Clemson University, Author of The America That Reagan Built and The Conservative Tradition in America
This is a very rare moment in history for conservatives in my opinion. You know as public sentiment increasingly turns against nationalized healthcare and big government liberalism, conservatives do have a unique opportunity to make their case to a disheartened nation. And in particular, I think, conservatives can show the poor and disadvantaged that conservative ideals serve them better than liberalism, and that idea is expounded in Conservatism Redefined: A Creed for the Poor and Disadvantaged. I think this is a terrific book and I loved the theme of this book that we need to redefine conservatism and get people back on track of understanding what it's all about.
-Janet Mefferd, The Janet Show (4-1-2010)
Patrick Garry's important new book shows how conservatism, understood as expressing the wisdom of time and as committed to upholding human dignity, is the best prescription for social comity and the advancement of the poor and disadvantaged.
-Brian C. Anderson Editor, City Journal Author of South Park Conservatives and A Manifesto for Media Freedom
-Listed as a suggested book by Brocklawley.com.
Patrick Garry has written an excellent book outlining the challenges facing conservatism.
-Michael Dresser, The Michael Dresser Show (Business Talk Radio Network, 04/14/10)
Patrick Garry's Conservatism Redefined: A Creed for the Poor and Disadvantaged (Encounter, 2010) offers a better alternative. Although he criticizes "compassionate conservatism" because he attaches the idea to the Bush administration's big government tendencies, what he proposes is in accord with the concept's meaning during the 1990s.
-World Magazine, May 22, 2010
World Magazine's, 2010 Book of the Year, Honorable Mention
In Conservatism Redefined, Patrick Garry makes a compelling case that true conservatism, not "liberalism light," offers the best hope for everyone, including the poor and disadvantaged. Garry argues that the heart of the conservative philosophy: respect for the lessons of history and respect for the dignity of all human beings, offers the greatest hope for creating a society in which the poor can thrive and lift themselves out of their current position. This is a book that can and should reshape the political landscape for years to come.
-Ron Rychla, MDLA Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, University of Mississippi School of Law
Here is a book that finally addresses the misperceptions of conservatism.
-Andy Caldwell, The Andy Caldwell Show (05/04/10)
In Conservatism Redefined, Patrick Garry makes two crucial points of which the American policy elite sometimes seems unaware. The first is that conservative social values are not merely rules of abstract morality. They are of great practical utility because they assist people in living productive, fulfilling lives. But his second point is perhaps even more important than the first: conservative values are particularly vital to the poor and underprivileged. The wealthy and privileged sometimes can afford to disregard those values, but the poor and underprivileged never can. Conservatism Redefined is a "must read" for anyone interested in public policy.
-Rob Natelson, Senior Fellow in Constitutional Jurisprudence Independence Institute, Montana Policy Institute, Goldwater Institute
In this book, Patrick Garry provides a needed articulation of conservative principles.
-Dennis Praeger, The Dennis Praeger Show (Salem Radio Network, 05/12/10)
Professor Garry's work is … a welcome addition to the available books on conservatism in the modern context. … [I]t contains a wealth of information from historical and legal perspectives covering what conservatism is, its origins in America, how it has changed, how America's view of conservatism has changed, and most importantly why it is the most beneficial system for the less affluent in society.
This subject is, perhaps, the most important part of this work, as conservatives have frequently been labeled as uncaring pawns of well-monied corporate interests. … In addressing this, and similar issues, Professor Garry explains in succinct language why the free market combined with a society based on firm traditions and the rule of law allows society's less fortunate members to escape poverty, while other, more popular approaches do not.
While less important, but extremely interesting is the discussion of how Conservatives developed this inaccurate label, and what may be reasonable remedies. Professor Garry also delves into some discussion of other areas where conservatives have available remedies to long-standing social problems that current Liberal approaches cannot deal with. … The end result is a work that provides a succinct view of where Conservatives are today, how we got here, and what we may want to do with the situation. This is significant, because by understanding the past, one can learn from mistakes made, and improve the future.
It should be noted that this is not a book that will be without controversy in certain respects. This is because Professor Garry does not always follow the line that one will likely find on the reader's favorite talk show. … However, as the Professor points out, Conservatives talk about ideas. Ideas always contain the roots of disagreements and re-evaluation of political and social positions. Thus, by examining his ideas we gain a better understanding of what conservatism means and how it can be best applied.
All in all, it is strongly recommended for its content and thought provoking properties, as well as for the important information on how Conservative social structures can and will benefit those who need help most.
-Steven D. Laib, Intellectual Conservative
