With the heated nature of the times, perhaps a necessary reminder is needed for all conservatives to know that we will have to critique, call out, and police our own sometimes.
It may be difficult at times to disagree with an individual that one is an ardent devotee of, though. However, for conservatism to continue being considered a worthwhile political philosophy and something to be shared, each of its adherents must draw a line in the sand and make certain despicable behavior is a defined no-go zone. A "No Man's Land" of what would be designated as acceptable conduct in the political and/or cultural commentary area. Otherwise, anything and everything that can be easily seen as abhorrent will be labelled as possible behavior by a conservative and used time and time again as examples by those who oppose us.
If not checked outright, conservatism can seem indistinguishable from a morality that has nothing to do with conservatism. However, if a supposed conservative makes certain moves or speaks in a certain manner that is unbecoming, then it can be used as evidence of what conservatism is or how the conservative may act. This will be the case if other conservatives do not come together as a unified front to correct inappropriate behavior publicly.
In a time when individuals on both sides of the political aisle will try to appear as if are they morally superior to their political opponent, those of us on the Right must be bold in our approach to the way we carry out our traditions and values. We should be so bold as to give one another constructive criticism in something akin to "conservative brotherly love." There is an ethical code that is implicit with being a conservative and we must remember this even when disagreeing with an ideological foe. Accordingly, we should engage and critique them with this knowledge.
Conservatives Cannot Support Abusive Behavior (or Asinine Remarks)
Simultaneously, while anyone, like the young activists from Parkland, Florida, can receive criticisms for their words or their activism, they should be spared from the kind of punditry that speaks of harm being done to them, nor should they be on the receiving end of name-calling. Therefore, if this form of critique is ever used by one of our own, then we should not support them in these moments.
David Hogg can receive negative commentary made about his ideas, but anything about his person should not be seen coming from conservative pundits. It should just be considered off-limits. Sure, Laura Ingraham could have possibly chosen to not call him 'whiny,' but she is far from being a bully for having done so. (Of course, she ended up having to apologize for her decision.)
Nevertheless, let us be the group that calls a spade a spade.
For example, Frank Stallone, the younger brother of Sylvester Stallone, was wrong for his decision to call Hogg names.
Ted Nugent should never have called for anyone to be shot. It should not be the time when fellow Second Amendment supporters pump their fists in the air while screaming "Yeah" excitedly. Would this not show the world that you must be in agreement with Nugent's words, even if they were somehow metaphorical?
No One Is Free From Criticism, Regardless of Age
Now, while we should hold ourselves to a certain standard, this should never convey the idea that all criticism is somehow bad or wholly evil. That kind of argument can be left to those on the Left (or those against free speech). When gallivanting on a road of civil discourse to a place of truth, analysis will always be appropriate, especially the kind that is balanced and rational.
So, it is good to remember how one's opponent may feel if we state things in such a way that could be deemed disrespectful. Some may think that it is too harsh to criticize children that have become politically and socially active after going through such a horrific tragedy as the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. However, anyone becoming a public figure and lobbying a particular agenda will have to accept that criticism will come with the territory. Television host Dan Abrams made a similar point in the aftermath of Fox News host, Laura Ingraham, losing sponsors.
Debate is a part of the playing field when you are in the sport of political discourse. There is no hiding from it or calling foul when you get it. It is either prepare for the bruising that comes with or accepting your place on the bench.
Jerome Danner is a member of Project 21, an initiative of The National Center for Public Policy Research. Follow him on Twitter (@DannerJerome) and Facebook (Facebook.com/ThITwithJDanner) for more of his thoughts and commentary. To read more of his reports — Click Here Now.