British thinker Edmund Burke often called the ` ` first conservative , '' David Frum says . Yet Burke did differ from the radical individualism of today 's U.S. society , he says . Frum says Burke emphasized the importance of community , continuity and responsibility . Frum : Two new books show the need for taking Burke 's philosophy seriously today .
British thinker Edmund Burke often considered the `` first conservative , '' David Frum says . Yet Burke would differ from the radical individualism of today 's U.S. conservatives , he says . Frum says Burke saw the importance of community , continuity and responsibility . Frum : Two new books show the need for taking Burke 's philosophy seriously today .