Wanted: A Conservative Leader for the 21st Century

Who are today's conservative trail blazers? Who do we have that can carry the torch of the likes of William F. Buckley, Jr. and Ronald Reagan? Maybe you have someone in mind: we have politicians, pundits, radio hosts and writers, some of whom are very admirable and convincing. But who can you think of that can reach beyond their targeted audience and inspire the next generation of Americans?

The Democrats have Barack Obama. His oratory is unmatched by anybody on our side. It matters not that if brought to fruition his policies could be disastrous for our economy and our security. I disagree with Senator Obama on almost everything, but I must admit that he is out there every day giving people hope. It's false hope, but his supporters either don't know or don't care.

The irony here is that a recent survey found that more than 90% of Americans consider themselves to be happy. If we are all so happy why are we longing for hope and change? Is it the obvious - that gas and food prices are increasing? Are Americans just fickle - out with the old and in with the new? Is it the Media telling us that everybody else is miserable and constantly reminding us of the rising costs of gas and food?

So you ask, what do I want to see in a conservative leader? Certainly not someone who promises what cannot be delivered. We need someone who is eloquent, yet humble; tough, yet likeable and above all, honest. One who has the ability to convince the American people to believe in themselves and to have faith in each individual's unique abilities. That the hope that exists in all of us is not due to anything the government can do for us, but of that which we can do for ourselves - especially when the government gets out of our way. That American greatness is due to the citizenry rather than the government. I'd like someone that can deliver a knock-out punch in a debate while retaining the appearance of gentility and grace. And someone that believes that upholding the Constitution of the United States is more important than consensus and bipartisanship.

In the age of 24 hour news, the blogosphere, internet and satellite radio we may never again see a conservative voice able to rise above the constant squawk to deliver a message of hope which is grounded in reality and common sense. Maybe people simply do not want to hear reality, common sense and logic. Four to eight years of an Obama Presidency might change that, but I really don't want to go there.