It’s the beginning of a new year, a time when we reflect on the past year, but also set goals for the upcoming year.
I don’t know if you’re a believer in New Year’s resolutions. I’m not committed to the idea; however, since it’s always good to have a goal or goals, I think it’s prudent for common-sense conservatives to enter in to 2024 with some definite goals to try to turn have some kind of a more practical impact on conservative politics that has often run amuck.
I call myself a common-sense conservative because I believe common sense has to be a guiding principle if anything positive is going to get done. Common sense is also a guidance on what is right and wrong, and that line has, unfortunately, been blurred for many Republicans and conservatives.
Common sense is also an ingredient to identifying points of agreement on issues that people really care about. While the extremes get the most attention in both Republican and Democrat parties, I still believe there are more common-sense Americans that understand we all need to be involved for democracy to function.
Therefore, I offer the following “resolutions” for common-sense conservatives to consider as we enter 2024 and an important political year.
No. 1: Become politically engaged. For many common-sense conservatives, getting actively involved in politics is the last thing they want to do; however, if those of us who believe the extreme factions are not good for the party or the country, we have to be willing to make our voices heard. That means getting involved on the precinct level.
Get information on precinct meetings and attend. Support individuals for precinct leadership who align with more traditional conservative values. Be armed with information and talking points about those values and why they are best for the party and for success moving forward.
No. 2: Stay informed about political issues and policies. Don’t just conform to your preconceived notions. Read books, attend seminars and engage in discussions that deepen your understanding of conservative principles and also of those principles that are the antithesis of common-sense conservatism. If you disagree with something, do some research about that topic or platform.
No. 3. Advocate for education policies that align with common-sense conservative values. School choice has become a major platform of the Republican Party. Whether you agree with that platform or not, advocate personally for school choice policies that don’t negatively impact already under-funded and struggling public schools. Attend school board meetings and pay attention to people who are running for local school board seats. Remember that quality education for all shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Our communities thrive when our public and private school systems all are strong.
No 4. Pay attention to the debate regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. DEI has become a centerpiece of the culture wars because more people are coming to terms with some of the destructive aspects of DEI. Not all DEI concepts are bad; however, too often when put into practice in large institutions – like universities and corporations – many of the concepts promote not diversity but divisiveness. Be aware of this and do your own research. Pay attention to the headlines.
No. 5. Research hot-button issues, such as immigration policies, abortion and reproductive rights, gun regulations and climate policies. Each of these issues has a number of nuances, and in my opinion, there is room for common-sense negotiations on policies that can improve all of these troublesome areas.
No. 6. This one is definitely personal for me, but this year, I intend to vote my interests as a woman. Women are unique stakeholders in reproductive health care, pro-child policies, such as access to affordable day care; domestic violence policies, pay gap policies, etc.
Political platforms and candidates’ stances on these issues will play a significant role in shaping women voters’ perspectives. Republican women have a large diversity of viewpoints, and they need to take as active a role as possible in 2024 elections.
Get ready because 2024 is going to be a wild political ride.
Cindy Allen 