In crisis, what is our role as constitutionalists and conservatives?

As constitutionalist conservatives, just what is it that we are to be about during the social and economic crisis of the spread of the new coronavirus strain?

First, as conservatives we are for law and order meaning a situation characterized by respect for and obedience to the rules of a society. But as constitutionalists, we recognize that law and authority is only to be obeyed when such is legitimate and adheres with constitutional and statutory limits.

So on one-hand conservatives are not believers in libertinism, acting without moral principles or a sense of responsibility, but believers in self and corporate responsibility. Thus we are to be about doing what is legitimate to prevent the spread of disease to innocent and vulnerable parties within reason.

The political and social friction comes from differing ideas as to what is legitimate and what is within reason.

There are many officials, both of the elected and bureaucrat varieties, who see emergencies as a chance to wield power over others as well as self-aggrandize. Often those making a show of selfless service are those acting the most out of self-interest.

So what else are we to be about?

We are to watch officials at every level and ensure that their actions comport with our rights as expressed in tradition, law, and protected by our state and federal constitutions. We should loudly object to abridgment of our rights, fighting back when necessary, when such is not clearly needed to defeat or deter an imminent threat.

Don’t allow the go-along-without-thought and the power-hungry to intimidate us from debating what is within reason and legitimate, as such is part of the eternal vigilance necessary to protect Liberty.

• Don’t let the panic excuse bad action by elected officials
• Proclamations from Gov. Abbott and local officials might (or might not) be in our best interest, but let’s not pretend they’re constitutionally authorized.
• Elected Officials Are Always Responsible, Whether They Like It or Not
• Let’s Not Pretend This Is Constitutional
• Texas Supreme Court opinion regarding government emergency powers may foreshadow future rulings
• When are Local and State Governments Illegitimate?