Complete 2 pages APA formatted article: Political Ideologies: My Political Beliefs.

Political Ideologies: My Political Beliefs

Political ideologies and philosophies are typically envisaged as expressions of people’s observations of the relationship of human being and the nation. By looking around the political arena and views, I cannot identify the best form of government that would be effective. However, conservatism seems more appropriate. Russell (2001) denotes that the “real significance of the modern state is inseparable from its successive penetrations of man’s economic, religious, kinship and local allegiances, and its revolutionary dislocations of established centers of function and authority” (p. 5). Arguably, America is politically polarized.

Russell (2001) defines conservatism as a political philosophy that agitates for retention of traditional institutions and supports minimal and gradual change in the society (p. 24). Debatably, conservatives try to find and preserve things as they are, emphasizing on constancy and stability. Most of the conservatives seek ways on how to return things the way they were. To them, modernism is the cause of today’s problems. Conservatives believe that modernism has caused the degradation of the environment, erosion of cultures among nations and societies and the heavy tax burden inflicted on the citizens by the government.

In reference to Russell (2001), conservatism has different forms. Fiscal conservatism refers to an economic ideology of prudence in government expenditure and liability (p.55). Russell (2001) argues that the government does not have the authority to accumulate large debts and then throw the burden on the taxpayer (p. 56). The prevailing economic condition is extremely tough, and the government has increased its spending and the burden thrown to the citizens. I have seen people within the neighborhood resulting to unemployment because the government income taxes are exceptionally high. This is downright discouraging.

Though many people have turned to modernism, it has had a significant effect on the environment. Everyday companies are set up and continuously continue to degrade the environment due to increased emissions to the atmosphere. In reference to Russell (2001), conservatives have incorporated environmental concern in their ideology (p. 76). Conservatism is concerned about the environment. Conservatives seek to preserve the environment and the natural resources (Russell, 2001, p. 78). In addition, conservatives seek to protect human kind. The environment is drastically changing due to the effects of global warming. I recently noticed that Temperatures have been rising and climates changing. The effect may not be felt in the developed countries but will be substantial in the developing countries. In the near future, this matter will get out of hand if not well addressed.

In the present world, modernism has eroded cultures in societies and nations. I was born in a community that understands little about its culture. Traditional values and national heritages are slowly fading. Conservatisms support the conservation of national heritage and cultural values and traditions (Russell, 2001, p. 36). Conservatives believe that the government has the obligation of heartening what the society considers traditional principles and standards. This can assist in upholding the traditional morality and social traditions.

Uneven distribution of resources and poverty typify the present political and economic environment. Conservatives have policies that incorporate progress in the society (Russell, 2001, p. 45). Conservatives emphasize on the significance of a social protection net to handle poverty and inequitable distribution of resources. They support the regulation of markets in the concern of the producers and consumers.

All the different political ideologies have their merits and demerits. Though I consider conservatism a more appropriate ideology, it still has its setbacks.

Works Cited

Kirk, Russell. The Conservative Mind. Washington, DC: Regnery Publishing, 2001.Print.