Veritas, as a Conservative and a Christian, there is no higher moral imperative than to seek out the truth. Even when it doesn’t gel with my preconceived notions about the world and my place in it, undeniable truth must be accepted. Personal integrity, and personal responsibility are the defining values for most Conservatives.  It is what the left both admires and fears in us.  To us, truth matters, character matters, justice matters. We play fair, we play by the rules.  To the Progressives, Conservative support of Donald Trump just doesn’t make sense.  He has fudged the truth on many occasions.  He says and tweets cringe worthy statements on a daily basis. He’s arrogant and petulant.  He displayed a litany of character imperfections throughout his campaign, and continues to display them into his presidency.   The Progressive Left is still in denial about President Trump’s election.  Taking to the streets, and the airwaves, in a mass panic they think that by declaring that he is “not their President” they can make him run, tail between his legs, from office.  “How?” they demand,  “How, could sane, rational people ever elect a man as flawed as Donald Trump?”  They are asking the wrong question.

What they should be asking is, “What is so wrong with the Progressive Left philosophy, that the vast geographical majority of the nation would rather have a flawed and divisive man like Donald Trump to lead us, than someone who espouses leftist ideology?”  The answer is liberty.  The conservative knows that without the freedom to reap the benefits, or consequences, of one’s actions, one can never achieve the quality of character necessary to prosper.  Progressives simply don’t get this.  The Conservative understands that most hard-working, everyday American citizens, regardless of their political proclivities, want the same thing.  To prosper in a safe, peaceful country.   The Conservative believes that our rights are inborn, a product of a Creator God or natural law, and the duty of government is to ensure that everyone who is willing to work hard enough, and abide by the rule of law, has the opportunity to pursue the course of his or her choice.  There is room for differing opinions, differing philosophies and beliefs.  Success and prosperity will mean different things to different people, so some will choose careers that are lucrative, while others will choose careers that are personally rewarding.  Our success will depend on the choices we make, and while some may not ever achieve prosperity, no one has a right to another’s earnings.  Charity is always on the terms of the giver.  The Progressive, however, believes that our rights are granted by the government and absolute equality must be guaranteed.  No matter what your choices or character, you are entitled to the same level of prosperity as everyone else, no more, no less.  Charity should always be on the terms of the needy.  Because there will always be those who prosper more than others, and their generosity cannot be guaranteed, the Progressive believes that the duty of government is to distribute the wealth evenly to everyone within the country’s borders.  The Progressive does not or cannot understand that to deprive a man or woman of their earnings to supply someone else, is theft at the most basic and personal level.  President Trump understands this, and so far his policies are in line with this basic Conservative philosophy.  That is why Conservatives are willing to grit their teeth and bear his obvious moral failings and support him.

What we Conservatives need to understand is that this election was not about putting a “Donald Trump” in the White House. It was about restoring our national culture. It is our duty to expose the hypocrisy and danger of the Progressive left agenda. To do this, we need to claim the moral high ground. We need to show, in our actions and interactions, as we go through our day, that Conservatism truly is the way to peace and prosperity.  We need to show that there is room at the Conservative table for everyone, regardless of your sexual persuasion, personal wealth, or religious beliefs.  That your personal liberty and dignity will always be respected so long as you are willing to respect the same for any other human being. We cannot do this if we are always on the defensive.  We need to educate ourselves, and shut down any attempts by the Left to erroneously label us as homophobes, Islamaphobes, racists, and any other unjustified monikers. We need to reveal their talking points for what they are, mindless, baseless accusations.  We also need to quit making excuses for President Trump when he makes inaccurate statements.  For better or worse, he represents Conservatism to the world.  We put him in office, and we must hold him accountable.