True conservatives have vanished

Over time, essential items seem to vanish and are quickly replaced by new technology. Home phones gave way to cellphones now found in most fifth-grader pockets.

Video tapes and CDs died and were resurrected as movie streaming and digital music.

Politics isn’t immune either. Principled conservatives disappeared and have been replaced by enablers.

I hear critics shouting, “Wait, a bunch of politicians still claim they’re conservatives.” But finding a true conservative among them is like finding a house with a working VCR.

First, it’s important to define what a conservative politician looks and acts like. Since we’re talking about new technology, here’s the AI definition of political conservatism. “Being politically conservative generally means upholding traditional institutions, customs, and values. This includes prioritizing individual freedom, limited government, the rule of law, and a strong national defense. Conservatives often emphasize fiscal responsibility, free markets, and the preservation of social order.”

If we look at this definition and compare it to what’s happening in our government, either AI is wrong, or conservative politicians vanished. True conservatives value the coequal branches of government and hold what the Founders built as sacred. Now, the executive branch is defying court orders, ignoring Congress, and legislating by executive order.

Are conservatives screaming? No, there’s silence.

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, once considered the model of conservatism, gives a shoulder shrug when confronted at a town hall about the unlawful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. “Congress can’t do anything except complain,” Grassley said.

Pretend conservatives tout fiscal responsibility. Republicans in the U.S. House then march in lockstep to pass what’s marketed as the “Big Beautiful Bill” adding $5 trillion to the national debt.

Tariffs have always been conservative kryptonite since they weaken free trade and increase taxes. Conservatives crave economic consistency. There’s none now.

Conservatives once stood for law and order. Now, they’re mute about blanket pardons for the Jan. 6 criminals who attack the Capitol,

Iowa government is no better. True conservatives would be horrified by spending $900 million of one-time money to fund overspending caused by, for example, the unaudited, private school voucher entitlement. If reserves disappear, Iowa will be rattling a tin cup for revenue.

What caused conservatives to evaporate into the mist? Some blame Donald Trump. But he didn’t invent grievance and fear politics. What Trump did is tap the powerful artery of grievance and fear flowing through America. For example, during the 2024 campaign, he alleged Haitian immigrants were eating pets. False.

Trump is a masterful marketer. He honed his message in front of thousands. First, they came to see a celebrity, and then he tapped into their grievance and fear.

Ironically, Trump understood what Democrats missed. Saul Alinsky, author of Rules for Radicals wrote, “Power is not just what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have.” That’s the philosophy Trump uses to put his power on steroids.

Voters must challenge pretend conservatives to follow the classic definition. Our fragile Republic hangs in balance. When asked about what form of government had been established in 1787, Benjamin Franklin replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.” It was true then, and it’s true now.

Bruce Lear lives in Sioux City, IA. He has been connected to public schools for 38 years. He taught for 11 years and represented educators as an Iowa State Education Association Regional Director for 27 years until he retired. BruceLear2419@gmail.com