Am I A Neocon?

I have been called this a lot (usually with other pejoratives) and, honestly, before 9/11, I had never heard of the term.

Sometimes I feel this term gets thrown around like an old dog toy.  But hey, if I am one.  Fine.  But I least want to make sure I fit the mold.

Irving Kristol is considered the godfather of neoconservatism.  I encourage all to read his article called "The Neoconservative Persuasion."

So do I fit the mold?  Overall, I agree with the article, including the fact that neoconservatism finds some "alliances" with "secular intellectuals" (which may explain why I agree with it).  And I feel I do broadly fit into the economic, domestic, and foreign policy buckets he so aptly describes.

There is one tidbit that I think brings the whole idea of neoconservatism home and that is when Kristol describes our history of the last 50+ years:

With power come responsibilities, whether sought or not, whether welcome or not. And it is a fact that if you have the kind of power we now have, either you will find opportunities to use it, or the world will discover them for you.

So would I describe myself as a neoconservative?  Yes.  But when it is thrown around as a derogatory term because of the challenges we face in Iraq, I really think it detracts from the overall foundation of neoconservatism.

Does it mean neoconservatism has failed because of the problems in Iraq?  I think most liberals (and paleoconservatives) would say, "Yes!"  I guess I just don't see that... yet.

So I agree with Kristol in that great power means great responsibility.  (I feel like Uncle Ben from Spiderman and that I just got cliché all over my shirt.)

In my mind, neoconservatism is more than just Iraq.  And for that reason, I won't bail from the camp just yet.  We either control our destiny or let other entities do so.  I have always argued we are damned if we do and we are damned if we don't.  But I would rather see us be a country of action than inaction.  And with that will come times when we will fall down.  Because in the end, others will try to push us over if we try to ignore them or just stand around denying what is happening in the world around us.  Either we fight for what we believe in (i.e., ideals of Western civilization) or we will watch as another empire emerges that is counter to our culture, our beliefs of freedom, and our freedom of religious beliefs (or in my case freedom from religious beliefs).

Time and time again, history has shown that apathy and denial will pave the road for others.  And when that road becomes a superhighway and it is too late.  Guess what?  It takes a lot to rectify the situation.  And I am talking about two previous world wars.

So is being a neoconservative a badge of honor or is it like wearing a dunce cap in the corner of the classroom?   That is for each to decide when they label with that term I guess.  I don't think I mind to be labeled as one (pejoratives included).