issue 157 | March 1986 Pollution and politics Mainstream
Christian Democrat conservatives see the market place as the
main economic motor of society. Patriotic, emphasising 'one
nation'. In Europe (but not North America) supporting limited
welfare for the needy, sceptical of govemment interference or
regulation. concentrating on freedom of individual and
maintenance of the family. Many conservatives see themselves as
the natural party of the environment conserving what is best.
They have a traditional attachment to the land; they own a lot
of it and are conscious that they inherited it from their
ancestors. A sense of stewardship can be found amongst many,
especially those who want to hand the countryside on unblemished
to their children. Conservative patriotism is often expressed in
the physical state of the nation past and present gardens,
trees, hedgerows and wild flowers, comfortable old buildings,
all woven together in a myth about national identity. A latent
anti-industrialism remains; successful conser