I am not persuaded, Mr. Brooks!

David Brooks writes in the New York Times that Republicans need to stop emphasizing individualism and freedom, and instead become the party of "community and order." Brooks mocks the fact that Republicans "like the way Westerns (movies) seem to celebrate freedom, individuality, opportunity and moral clarity."

Brooks admits that Republicans, with their emphasis on the above values, did well in the more sparsely populated states, where those values are still prominent. However, Republicans did not do well in the cities and the suburbs, where people "are used to worrying about the health of the communal order." Really? Or are they increasingly dependent on government programs?

Brooks says we need to be "devoted to the bonds that built the nation." You mean, Mr. Brooks, like going to church? Like preserving the institutions of the family and heterosexual marriage? Like teaching our children abstinence and personal responsibility, initiative and good manners, hard work and competitve drive? Like neighbors helping neighbors? I think Republicans are already devoted to those bonds, Mr. Brooks. Or, do you mean the bonds of group identity, or the bonds of gay marriage, or the bonds of government dependency?

I am leary of anyone who pooh poohs the esential American values of "freedom, individuality, opportunity and moral clarity." I'll read your columns, Mr. Brooks, but so far I find your advice unpersuasive.