Textor on restating centre-right beliefs

Mark Textor writes in the AFR:

Even outside of partisan party politics, enhanced by media megaphones, a shouting match is going on between a very few. Like many fights, most decent people are silently walking away to avoid it.

Most want the false and divisive constructs of politics to go away: Christian versus non-Christian, middle class versus others, country versus city, indigenous versus non-indigenous, bosses versus workers.

Promoting these suit the shock jocks on the right and outrage merchants on the left looking for micro audience-based sales. I find that this is leading many decent-minded conservative centrists to question their beliefs.

A modern alternative affirmation of conservatism is needed for those who have walked away from the shouting. Here’s a new one for them:

Textor’s statements are:

1. We respect the continuity, strength and certainty that the rule of law and our constitution brings.
2.  Conservatism is about resisting gratuitous change, but not resistance for its own sake.
3. Our economy must be managed according to the principles of a fair, competitive and open market, but the end point is not the economy itself but a better life.
4. If you are a citizen of this country, you have equal rights and, yes, equal responsibilities to other citizens and the country.
5. We will not tolerate the intolerant.
6. Those who obtain the privilege of leadership; be parental in nature: respectful and aware of true needs of those under your care, but be clear and consistent in your actions.
7. Work and enterprise brings dignity and the opportunity and vibrancy.
8. Conservatives conserve important things.

Not a bad list.