Hawks we are, hawks we must remain

In the face of anti-war libertarian dissidents, conservatives—especially the rising generation—must defend the issue that most sets us apart from them. And we must be vigilant. I urge my peers: if Ron Paul and his ilk do not speak for you, then speak up; if the Campaign for Liberty, which prides itself in youth representation, does not represent you, then say so; if you are not willing to toss aside your support for America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, then stand up and defend them with the fullest of throats. You’ll be called a “warmonger” or a “neocon,” sure. But so what?

Of course, scores of young conservatives are currently doing much more than debating America’s foreign policy behind the comfort of our borders; they’re fighting the wars of which we speak as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. But for those of us who’ve chosen a vocation on the home front, our support for them and their mission must be unambiguous and unwavering. It is time for conservatism’s 9/11 generation to fully embrace and defend the role that history has bestowed upon us and wear our hawk feathers more proudly than ever.