Of Conservatism and Doing the Work – Opinion

The pop-metal genre that dominated the 1980s, presently shoved into a corner of SiriusXM, is generally derided in today’s pop culture as the ultimate albeit brief triumph of style over substance. This is as opposed to, say, the profound lyrical and sociological depth of “WAP” by Cardi B. But I digress.

Extreme is a band that was often missed in pop-metal. Best known, if not known solely for, the acoustic ballad “More Than Words,” Extreme at its best was a fiercely creative quartet led by singer Gary Cherone, who later had an ill-fated stint with Van Halen, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. It pushed pop metal into places it’s not well known. The band used rich melodies, an innovative song structure and lyrics that went far beyond the usual crotch and pseudo-shock levels.

An example of this is “Stop the World” from the band’s third album, 1992’s There are three sides to every story.

Most can relate to the chorus: “Stop the world / I want to get off / Where there is love.” Which is the starting point of this discussion.

Modern conservatism is based on performance. Liberalism thrives upon performance art. This distinction makes modern conservatism distinct from liberalism. “Tax the rich … hey, how did that SALT deductions cap repeal thing get in Biden’s bill?” More examples of the latter abound: the shrieking and ever-increasingly hysterical rants of Joy Reid, the reality-rootless musings of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. It is tempting to reply with the same level of vitriol as before, but a balanced, fact-based answer is superior. The point of spreading the conservative evangel isn’t proving we can sound equally unhinged. It’s demonstrating to others with ears to hear why siding with truth, logic, and reason is the only viable action plan.

James made it clear in his epistle that faith is not complete without work. In the same way, only conservative words can be sufficient. Only the promotion of conservative values by taking action is important.

Here’s an example to show the distinction between performance and performing art. I’ve worked in both retail and the corporate world, with many a tale to tell about each. Presently I’m in retail, dashing off these modest missives in-between customer service stints. My shop is situated in an open air mall with a Target, a grocery and other stores. Business is strong despite the current administration’s economic strangulation policies.

The mall is a popular spot for street musicians, regardless of their motivation. Depending on what day and time you’re there, you are likely to encounter one of two violinists, an accordionist, or a clarinet player. The latter is quite good; the others … ‘I’ve heard worse’ is as polite as I can be.

A violin player accompanying himself with trip-hop supporting MP3s. There is a sign near his open case indicating that he is a hungry student struggling to make ends meet. The Target is his usual spot, and the Target is where he works. Both the Target and my store have large sandwich board signs prominently displaying next to the entrance announcing “we’re hiring,” and at a decent starting salary to boot. Hmm …

These chuckle-providing moments aside, conservatism is about doing the actual work and offering assistance to others, regardless of their political views. Conservatism is not about screaming, “We need FYTERZ!” Conservatism is about doing the work and getting the results. Let the left dance, and show off before the worshipful media. This is something that we cannot change by complaining. The only thing we can do is make sure that we all, collectively and individually, do the right things. Time is limited. Let’s spend it wisely.

Remember:

If you’re too busy …

… yes, you are.

It’s time to stop.

Don’t try to save anyone or the entire world. You’re not up to the job.

Don’t hesitate to do the best you can. Send that text. That text should be sent. Send that text. Keep in touch. We all benefit when we do this.

Do not take nothing for granted, particularly no one. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. That is the only thing that can be assured. Don’t panic in panicking, just do the right things at all times.

What if you don’t have the time? Wrong. Having no time means you’re wasting the time you have. Stop. Evaluate. Prioritize. Which is the most important? If it’s not people, you’re doing life wrong.

Don’t let the things that should be done or said fall by the wayside. It is important to say it. Do it. You will never be able to continue doing so. This circle will shrink. Prepare. Be prepared.

The world cannot be stopped. We can, however, bring love.