"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."- John Adams, Oct. 11, 1798
In my estimation, this is the fundamental, foundational principle associated with what we today call conservatism. It is the basis for our constitution and all of our laws. If we fail to recognize it, then our liberty, our nation, our way of life....and ultimately our very lives will be at risk.
There are many liberals who fight tooth and nail against this...who are in fact nothing short of marxists. There are many who simply do not understand it and were never taught it. In the latter category we can find those sincere souls who will "come over" as soon as they understand it.
As much as anything else, we are faced with the daunting task of finding the sincere and educating them as to the true roots of this Republic.
Anyhow...hope that makes some sense. Even today, amongst the liberals of our time, I believe (as was the case under Reagan) that there are many who can be educated.
Ah.
okers.