Confessions of a Red State Conservative
What does it mean to be a red-state conservative in 2022? A member of the movement lays it out in a guest editorial.
Red State Conservative
I am among a growing number of people so frustrated with the recent turn of events that I am compelled to step forward. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, I’m learning that the ideas I am drawn to are not held by many of our established party members.
That observation has made me ask myself, “What does it mean to be a red-state conservative in 2022?”
The issues we have battled the Left over for so many decades are still valid. Our Second Amendment rights must be preserved. The life of the unborn must be protected. Freedom of speech is essential to our liberty. Taxes are too high, and regulation too restrictive. All good stuff for a platform prior to 2018. Today those are merely table stakes.
What is our way forward as a party? Why isn’t our red state leading the way?
"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails." — John Maxwell, also attributed to William Arthur Ward
Here are some issues I think our party has to address:
Personal Medical Autonomy – no vaccine or medical mandates for anyone, including our National Guard, healthcare workers and first responders. The state government regulates businesses EVERY SINGLE DAY. Stop hiding behind this idea that business is a free-for-all in South Dakota.
We have election integrity issues in every state of the union, including South Dakota. If it is your job to address this, and you are only learning now that there is a problem, I think we can accept that if you step up and fix it. If you are not capable, let someone else who is willing to do the hard work to ensure that one actual South Dakota resident gets one vote. Insisting nothing is wrong gives the impression there is something to hide. Further, refusing to let local candidates be poll watchers is also specious.
We must take a stand against racism and segregation which is currently expressed as Critical Race Theory; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Social-Emotional Learning if it is labeled at all. School should teach children academic skills and self control in public settings. Parents, not teachers, are responsible for guiding their children’s social, emotional and moral development.
We must recognize the biology of gender, especially as it relates to protecting children and juveniles. Hiding behind “local control” instead of taking a stand has given us the situation that is happening in Vermillion.
“They’re our children.... They’re not somebody else’s children; they’re like yours when they’re in the classroom.” — President Biden talking to a gathering of teachers. (He is WRONG; children do not belong to the government.)
We must recognize parental rights over school administration dictates.
The Convention of States needs to be brought forward in healthy debate. If it is our only tool for dealing with a Federal government that is out of control, then we need civil discourse on its viability.
Florida’s Governor DeSantis shows by example what can be achieved when leadership is focused on the issues of today, and not five years ago. This is a new battle and we need new leadership to fight it.
— SS