HBO's John Adams

HBO’s new miniseries, John Adams, is tremendously important. As conservatives our highest calling is to conserve those things that have worked. Essentially, conservatism at its best conserves the principles of the American Founding – liberty, equality of rights, constitutionalism and the rule of law to name a few.

But our ability to conserve these principles – these "possessions of the mind" as a friend says it – has always depended to a large extent on the broad agreement about these principles across the political spectrum. These principles must be passed from one generation to another if our experiment in human freedom is to succeed. If it is true, as we often fear, that we are failing in this task then we are in danger of losing our true identity as Americans.

Upon leaving the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia Benjamin Franklin was asked what had been created, a monarchy or a republic. A republic,” he said. “If you can keep it.”

Franklin’s warning rings ever truer in a modern politically correct society that promotes multiculturalism over the American Founding. When these principles are attacked by our schools, universities, filmmakers, artists and even fellow citizens, the next generation gets lost in the bustle and the treasure is not transmitted.

This is why I am heartened by HBO’s new series. The films’ producers were faithful to the history which was originally encapsulated brilliantly by David McCullough in the book, John Adams.

As we watch the series we learn about the unassuming man from New England. In learning about Adams we learn about the principles that the Founders cherished – the principles that together embody the greatest nation on earth.

This series is a teacher and we need more of them.

PS - A housekeeping note: there will be light posting around here for a few days. I am 5,000 miles from home and without a dependable internet connection. Also, I know a few of our other contributors are out of pocket as well.