That 70s Show

Apparently, a group of conservative leaders met out in the Blue Ridge to "discuss conservatism's future," and that among the attendees were Richard Viguerie, Morton Blackwell, R. Emmett Tyrrell, and Brent Bozell. Are these veterans of the 70s wars really the ones to chart the future? Is there anyone out there who wasn't involved in the Reagan Revolution of thirty years ago who can steer conservatism forward?

Don't get me wrong, these people did wonders during the Carter Administration and early 1980s. I actually attended Blackwell's Leadership Institute lo' those many years ago. But most people born after 1978, don't remember Ronald Reagan and have nothing invested in those earlier wars. Pictures from books and tales from the good old days are hardly the inspiration to action these people need. Renewing conservatism by waving "Remember Reagan" flags would be like Republicans in 1930 yelling "Remember McKinley," in 1954 saying "Remember Coolidge," or in 1986 chanting "Remember Eisenhower." History is a gentle guide, not a directive.

Conservatism needs new blood and new ideas. This may sound odd, but as a general rule, I want to see conservative leaders who don't remember 1968. If you can recall Lyndon Johnson, you're too old.