[Maelstrom]

Conservatism isn't a reflective term.

Smaller government has a concrete basis: the minimum amount of government to fulfill the government's Constitutional responsibilities.

Strong national defense also has a concrete basis: the ability to protect us from foreign enemies. This has meant the ability to fight 2 wars at the same time.

Limited fiscal policy also has a concrete basis: the minimum amount of regulation to prosecute abuse in the free market.

Smaller, stronger, and more limited with respect to it's current situation colliquially, and to the concrete bases that are readily available to anyone who's actually thought about their conservative beliefs.

[robertpaulsen]

"Conservatism isn't a reflective term."

In theory, no. In actuality, it's measured against the liberals (prescription drugs, for example -- nothing conservative about it).