[diotima]

Why don't you believe atheists can be conservative?

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

Conservatism relies on tradition, the beliefs and practices of a people for guidance. In our case, the United States was founded as a Christian nation and upon the commandments as guiding principles. While it is remotely possible that an athiest would adhere to those principles without belief in God, I'd be sorely pressed to explained the contradiction.