Socialism is socialism is socialism. I don't care who heads it, whether conservative or democrat, it's still extorting money from some to give to others.
While I agree that there's been no "small government" since Calvin, I will still say that what you are proposing is that the 'Pubbies buy votes like the Dems did with the New Deal.
What do you think will come from that ? Why not just join the Dems, with that attitude ?
If "conservatives" need to buy votes to retain office, we've all lost and there are no remaining conservatives principles upon which the 'Pub party can stand. The Republicans then become Democrat Lite.
Another griper. How do you propose to rebuild the Gulf Coast without federal dollars? Private industry will not fund the infrastructure (ports, roads, seawalls, etc.). And private industry will do nothing to incent those at the edges to home ownership or to open small businesses.
If investing in your fellow Americans so that some who were not productive will now become productive is not important, then what is?