Conservatives find their voice

On Thursday night, author and activist Daniel Flynn spoke at Pitt to an audience of about 60… On Thursday night, author and activist Daniel Flynn spoke at Pitt to an audience of about 60 people. Flynn’s book, “Why the Left Hates America,” hasn’t been warmly received in all corners, and for obvious reasons – the title speaks for itself. But what interests me about Flynn is not his enthusiasm for provoking the left, but his zeal for supporting the right.

Flynn is not alone in his efforts. In the past few years, our country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of prominent conservatives stepping forth to join the political fray. Through much of the ’90s, you would be hard-pressed to find an outspoken conservative whose name didn’t start with L and end with imbaugh.

But today, a number of famous – some would say infamous – conservatives have found a home in radio and television. The most notable, Bill O’Reilly, has demanded much of the political spotlight in recent years. A straight-shooter with undeniable intelligence, O’Reilly could teach the class on candor. His show, “The O’Reilly Factor,” grills politicians and other notable newsmakers on tough issues, and has been followed up by two best-selling books.

Another Fox News show, “Hannity and Colmes,” features prominent conservative Sean Hannity squaring off against – but generally annihilating – his liberal counterpart, Alan Colmes. Hannity’s book, “Let Freedom Ring,” is a best seller, outlining everything from Clinton’s failure to act against terrorism to the Alaska Oil Reserve – a barren, frozen wasteland, not a lush wilderness paradise.

Ann Coulter also made the best seller list with her book, “Slander: Liberal Lies About the American Right.” Like Flynn, Coulter loves to go for the left’s proverbial throat, frequently accusing liberals of hating America.

And the list goes on – filled with members of a new class of Republican commentators that seek to bring balance to what they perceive as a liberal-dominated media. This group, supplemented by old-schoolers like William Safire and Rush Limbaugh, brings new depth to the political scene.

For years, conservatives have been content to gripe among themselves about a supposed liberal bias on college campuses and in the media. Instead of considering the situation rationally, they’ve taken the easy way out – a path often traveled by liberals as well – and talked about conspiracies. In reality, colleges and publications are home to many liberals simply because they offer an environment conducive to people with strong political views, often on the left. If conservatives are unrepresented, it’s no one’s fault but there own.

That’s what makes fresh faces like Hannity and O’Reilly exciting. Republicans have finally decided to act on their concerns. A large percentage of America is conservative – recent election results will testify to that. And yet, a small portion of leftists have a huge voice simply because they have intelligence and initiative. But conservatives have some articulate thinkers too, and they are finally making their views – which are clearly representative of many Americans – heard.

Provided these new Republican commentators are able to stick to the issues and avoid the personal jabs and bickering that are so rampant in the political world, conservativism may finally have found its voice.

Eric Miller can be reached with comments at miller@pittnews.com.