The federal government is the final protector of indivdual rights and that is its reason for being, period. There is no conflict between conservatism and indivdual rights, noen at all.
Stop espousing the Constitution, jwalsh. What do you think this is? A Republic? How dare you!
:) Denote sarcasm.
Be careful with that one, as you may incur the wrath of those who believe in capital punishment, prohibitions against gay unions/marriage, and a host of other laws either created by the federal government to "protect" individual rights or of the judiciary essentially doing the same thing.
And I would add the state government as well. What's interesting to me is that as a pro-life libertarian I find my support of the governements protection of TS and anyone unable to defend their rights completely consistent with the founder's vision.
I honestly don't understand the conflict with conservatives. Doesn't anyone remember the Civil Rights movement?
RIGHT! Conservatism is in favor of individual rights, like Mrs. Schiavo's right to choose death over a life of no recovery. It's in favor of keeping a marriage safe from interference. It's in favor of local control. It's in favor of following the law, and respecting court decisions that are made in accordance with the law. All of these things were thrown out the window by the pseudoconservatives who wanted to call in the military, kidnap Mrs. Schiavo, etc.