The failure of conservatism

Letter to the editor in today's NY Times:

Prof. Jon A. Shields's overly sunny view of conservatism leaves much to be desired. He ignores the fact that throughout the history of the United States — well, the world, actually, but let’s keep it local — most conservatives have been on the wrong side of every single significant social or political issue. 

In fact, if conservatives had their way, there wouldn’t be a United States: The Tories did not want to separate from England.

Conservatives opposed abolishing slavery; they opposed child labor laws, women’s suffrage, Social Security, Medicare, gay marriage and working to stop climate change — among other issues. 

Throughout history, liberals — usually labeled radicals or socialists or another name meant to alienate them from the majority — have proposed ways to improve society for all, and conservatives have strongly opposed them. 

Then the majority of the population agreed with the liberals and eventually most conservatives changed their minds and also agreed.

Often this agreement has to do with people coming to understand the issues and the ethics involved in making society more equitable. 

The more one knows about politics and society, the more one will reject conservatism, which is why, as Professor Shields notes, most college professors are not Republicans.

Michael Spielman

Bronx