Don Clement: True believers

After reading the Oct. 17 news article “As Rep. Renee Ellmers dodges rumor, some rivals talk it up,” I was left wondering who the “true conservatives” are who find even Ellmers too moderate.

“Conservative” no longer means a general predisposition to support the status quo and to proceed cautiously when considering change.

A “true conservative” now adheres to a specific set of beliefs and brooks no deviation from them. These beliefs include: Abortion is evil, period. The Second Amendment allows no restraint on weapons of any kind. Taxation is theft. Legislation must reflect the will of God (who condemns gay marriage). Military might is the country’s salvation. An unregulated free market will lift all to prosperity. Government that does not apply these beliefs must be thwarted.

Having core beliefs gives one focus and even passion, as the tea party well illustrates. Those of us who see the grays between the black and white resist absolutes. However, we also lack the ideological fervor and single-mindedness of true believers. If we’re not alert, they will win disproportionate power in Congress and in state general assemblies. Who knows what will happen then? Oh, wait a minute ...

This story was originally published October 24, 2015 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Don Clement: True believers."