Without the push-pull of ideas between liberals and conservatives, and the tempering role compromise must play, our nation would become a place that neither side would like. Unchecked conservatism becomes authoritarian and tyrannical, while extreme liberalism moves toward socialism, even communism.
So why aren’t patriotic conservatives denouncing the reactionary ideologues (like Beck, Bachmann, Palin, West) that now epitomize the GOP? They should applaud more thoughtful leaders like Reagan-appointee Judge Richard Posner who are willing to challenge entrenched interests on their team while vigorously debating the political opposition.
