I think it was Rush who defined conservatism the best for me. The belief that government’s only purpose beyond the bare essentials for the survival of the country, is to provide some social guidelines and encouragement so that our culture doesn’t decay, and future generations carry on our traditions and institutions.
I was having a conversation with a libertarian friend the other day, and he asked me why I wasn’t a libertarian, after all, the Founders were. My reply was that although the Founders were libertarians, they could never have imagined what kind of world we would be facing in the future. They never would have imagined that almost half of America would think killing a baby was “OK”. Unfortunately, that is what has happened, which is why I am a conservative. The Founders believed strongly in personal liberty, but this was a time when the Bible was a stronger force, and we were a more morality driven society. Conservatives would like to get back to that kind of America, where faith and family mean something. That’s something the government should be involved in. They should be ENCOURAGING marriage between men and women in schools, because it makes for a stable and healthy society. Enough with this “alternate lifestyle” garbage.
I want the government out of my wallet, and out of my daily life in general, but they should be involved with getting as many people as possible to live independent, respectful and moral lives, with emphasis on personal responsibility. Make sure people know that their actions have consequences, the government is not here to give you success. You have to earn it. If this is the case, people will live fuller lives, and this nation will be infinitely stronger.
Liberalism is a mental disorder.
Very well said, Viennacon.