Conservatism and The Right Nation

This short report about a book presentation at the Cato Institute caught my eye.

The conservative nature of today's United States has its roots in a history and tradition quite different from that of Great Britain and most of Europe, Micklethwait said. To begin with, America is more skeptical of the power of the state, he said. The conservative majority that he says exists believes that power should rest with the individual and be handed upward to the lowest possible level of government, while the majority of Brits subscribe to the idea that power begins at the top and is handed down through the ranks.

Furthermore, about 60 percent of Americans believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their goals, Wooldridge pointed out. About 60 percent of the British, however, believe the role of government should be to guarantee that no one is in need.

They also mention the role of religion and capitalism. Good stuff. Sounds like a good book.