William F. Buckley’s desire to “stand athwart history and yell ‘Stop!’” described a personality type more than a political agenda. Conservatives, by well-earned reputation, tend to revere traditions and institutions, trust authority, and favor measured, incremental change. Dana Carvey’s impersonation of George H.W. Bush caricatured the type brilliantly: “Wouldn’t be prudent, wouldn’t be prudent at this juncture.”
Without knocking prudence, however, shouting “Stop!” is only a smart strategy when you’re ahead. It doesn’t help when you’re losing.
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