Andrew Sullivan - Left, Right and Time

The prolific conservative blogger wonders what has happened to the traditional definition of conservatism:

Conservatism cannot be defined as whatever is the most extreme right-wing narrative of the moment. Time matters. Conservatism needs to be flexible enough a governing philosophy to be able to correct for conservative ideology itself. When such an ideology threatens fiscal balance, a prudent foreign policy, and a thriving middle class, it has become the enemy of real conservatism, not its friend.

Yet, as Sullivan explains, we have income tax rates that are lower than they were during the Reagan and Eisenhower administrations. Heaven forbid anyone should recommend an increase to help balance our budgets.

What is conservatism? I recommend Sullivan's The Conservative Soul to answer that question.