>>Im not sure that Americans who are exposed to conservative ideas are firm anymore. Ive had several people here at Free Republic defend compulsory universal healthcare because Romney implemented it in Mass. If Freepers are confused about whether free markets work then it will be very hard to persuade new immigrants or people raised into socialism that free markets work.<<
That’s a reasonable concern. I don’t understand how elements of conservatism have wound up opposing free trade, supporting protectionism and in general sounding more like Teamsters than Reagan Republicans.
But the motivation is that same as those poor people Guevera - fear and lack of hope. The difference is we can self correct.
This is a remarkable article that mentions in an off-hand way trade, but in a way that may enhance understanding . . . http://shoulung.wordpress.com/2007/04/22/open-letter-to-president-bush/
The situation is the same with conservatives: fear and lack of hope. Given McCain, Hucakbee, baraq Husayn ibn Mahomet, and She Who Must Not Be Named, what hope to conservatives have?
And I am running out of hope of the idea that the system can correct itself. A Socilaist object in motion tends to stay in motion, unless acted upon by an outside force.