Conservatism is a political term that is often misunderstood and associated, if not with canning vegetables, then with old “conservative” clothing fashion. This perception is primarily due to the foreignness of the term conservative, which means preservation. However, wider use of the Ukrainian equivalent of conservatism could “whitewash” the image and significantly expand support for this idea, which is actually extremely popular among Ukrainians.
Conservation is always positively associated in the human mind, and for good reason. Preserving health, protecting nature, Ukrainian cultural heritage, etc. are always associated with positive values. Despite the prevailing leftist myths about conservatism as an ideology of backwardness, hostility to change, and cave-age Stone Age values, today’s conservatives are just in favor of preserving what has been achieved and preventing its destruction by absurdists under the guise of “progress.”
Conservatives stand for the preservation of democracy and civil liberties before it is replaced by a congress of aggressive minorities and noisy activists selected by unclear criteria.
Conservatives demand that freedom of speech be preserved before people are arrested for statements that do not violate the law, but which someone does not like, may offend, or even dislike.
Conservatives advocate the preservation of cultural heritage, including normal cinema, without imposing values that are incomprehensible to society and alien ideological canons that someone has decided to forcefully introduce.
Conservatives advocate educating young people and society in the values that lead to the creation of full-fledged families, the birth of children, the strengthening of health, civil liberties and opportunities, patriotism and national dignity of Ukrainians. After all, if such values prevail, it means that the strength and defense capability of the Ukrainian state will increase, and invaders will be afraid to attack it.
Conservatism leads to preservation and multiplication, moderation and frugality, rationality and prudence, healthy skepticism and active actions aimed at establishing security, stability and well-being.
A Ukraine dominated by the idea of preservation is a country without corruption, the threat of military intervention, national conflicts, and without daily absurdities in the news that make the nation ashamed.
Author: Valeriy Maydanyuk
