5 Lessons for Conservatives

Over the years many conservatives have asked me, “How did our country get here?” followed by, “How do we fix it?”

The former is really quite simple. Conservatives were silent. There, I said it. Hence the “silent majority” slogan I’ve seen so much of in recent years that people on the right are seemingly proud of. By remaining silent we’ve allowed the public schools to raise our children, allowed the family unit to be destroyed, uninvolved ourselves with politics until it came time to vote, and allowed the Constitution and our own values to be trampled over. 

I don’t believe that is anything to be proud of. 

I also don’t believe that I have all of the answers, but I do believe the numbered points below will offer a good foundation to alter America’s future for the better and lead us back to the core principles that founded this nation.

If you want to help fix the problems in this country, here’s where you can start:

 

1.     Be a smart consumer and put your money where your mouth is. In January 2021, I stopped giving my money to many large companies that showed the world that people with my values and opinions weren’t “their” target audience. 

I’m not going to lie, it was slightly overwhelming at first because I was used to what was easy and convenient. I researched small businesses with similar values in my area that I could purchase from. Any items not found locally I simply found online, yet again, with companies holding my same values. I won’t name my local companies because each area will vary, but I will list a couple of options for online shops. Melaleuca is a great alternative for many things that you would ordinarily buy from a grocery store or cosmetic company. This company is based in America with American-made products. They offer cleaning supplies, vitamins, food and drink options, personal care, and an amazing line of cosmetics that are cruelty-free. Shipping typically in only a few days. There are multiple clothing companies that have cropped up over the last few years as well. Lions Not Sheep and Combat Iron Apparel are two of my favorite brands, both with outspoken founders for freedom and Combat Iron is veteran-owned. Depending on your needs, Etsy has many small businesses that are owned by freedom loving patriots. 

I don’t believe in an ‘all or nothing’ approach to consumerism. I think it would be inconceivable to discontinue purchasing from every. single. company. that is vocally unfavorable towards our values, but what I do think is conceivable is making a list of the companies you can part with as a start. One person making these changes doesn’t create a financial impact on these big corporations, but millions of us taking the time to research better alternatives and spending our money elsewhere WILL.

 

2.     Become more involved in politics. It’s no secret that conservatives all but vanish after voting. After all, we’ve done our part, right? If the left has shown us anything it’s that you have to be hands-on. I’m not saying you need to build a campaign today and run for office tomorrow. What I am saying is that there are plenty of things you can do through activism to achieve the same goal. For instance:

 

• Campaign for a candidate you believe in
• Become a poll worker or election officer
• Register people to vote (go to your state’s Secretary of State website for information on how to do this appropriately and lawfully)
• Use social media to your advantage by creating a space where your values are heard. Be consistent with uploading videos speaking on current issues and don’t be afraid to interact with your audience
• Be a part of your county or city meetings and offer your voice
• Call or write to your officials expressing your opinions on the job they are doing (always be civil and never use inappropriate language)
• Don’t be afraid to form peaceful protests with like-minded individuals to further drive your point

 

3.     Become more involved in your child’s education. Loudoun County, Virginia has shown the country over the last year that there is much to question with what is being taught or accepted in the public school system today. While many will argue, myself included, that the public school system has not produced for many years, it has been even more so on a steady decline in recent years. You can research any number of articles where public education is failing our children. Although America is ranked #1 on the Best Educational Systems list, when tested on individual studies like math and science, America ranks 38th and 24th respectively. If our children are not testing to success, what are they truly being taught?

 

4.     Lessen the fighting amongst fellow conservatives. In politics, more often than not, we see a bigger divide among conservatives than we do liberals. Typically, liberals are great at showing a united front to further a common goal whether all of them agree or not. We need to take note of how this is executed and stand firm together on a few fundamental issues. Remember, United We Stand, Divided We Fall.

 

5.     Do not remain silent. This may be the most important of all in this list. I have observed many times in public where liberals freely gave their opinion while conservatives stayed quiet until the liberal walked away. To combat this we must become comfortable with the uncomfortable. It’s uncomfortable to disagree, but silence is not the answer. Learning to get your own point across is the only answer. It takes courage to speak up for the things you believe in, but our country was founded on courage and as an American, it is your duty to find the courage to speak when so much of what you see is wrong. 

Trust me. I understand your fears, but remember, you are not alone. There are many of us that feel the same way you do just waiting for another voice to join ours. Your fear is normal and your concern of what it may cost you is normal. But the cost of not speaking up? That is far greater. America is worth fighting for. Freedom is worth fighting for.