Mr. Burke's Advice

As we sail headlong into another long presidential campaign season, let's keep in mind the words of Edmund Burke on the standards of political excellence: “To be taught and to exercise self-respect; to submit to critical scrutiny in the public eye; to have leisure to read, converse, debate, reflect; to attract the interest and attention of the wise and learned, from whatever political persuasion; to have the judgment and capacity to command, and to obey; to be temperate and show honorable conduct, from a sense that you should be an example to fellow citizens in their highest concerns; that you act as a reconciler of man against man in questions of principle.” Burke was a highly influential member of the British Parliament in the 18th century, and an outspoken supporter of the American Revolution. But, he famously opposed the French Revolution. Burke is considered the father of modern conservatism.