Your explanation, though lengthy, does nothing to further your point because I, too, have always known that conservatives are far more compassionate than liberals in that we want people to succeed and prosper, and have the satisfaction of the accomplishment. It is no reason for offense.........the root of which must be elsewhere.
For whatever reason you have chosen to be upset by the term 'compassionate conservative,' to me, it is a complete waste of emotional energy.
There are so many serious problems in this world, Miss Adams. So many things to be angry about..........the murder of millions of innocent pre-born babies, the erosion of morals in our culture, the pursuit by the left of taking away our freedoms, to name just a few...........that I am both puzzled and bemused by those of you who divert the strength of conservatism by being angry at those of us who share your goals, but don't dot every 'i' in the same way you do.
As I read through post after post of angry people who hate George W. Bush (I don't know if you're one or not), there is very little, if anything, to distinguish the anger and hostility of the far right from the anger and hostility of the left. Part of the reason that it is so easy for leftist trolls to survive on FR, is that they can mimic the extremists here, say the same words about the President (and mean them), and not necessarily be detected.
History will judge this President, and though it is impossible to know what the future will hold, I believe that he will be judged as having protected this country from terror, freed millions of people from brutality and revolutionized the Middle East, and of having started the move back to the right in this country, morally, fiscally and most importantly judicially. He will have done as much, or more for conservatism than Ronald Reagan (who was also reviled by the far right during his presidency, but now, mysteriously is worshiped by those same people).
If FR is still around in 2050, and I have a computer at the home (I'll be over 100), we can have this debate in hindsight................and I will have been right.
I reiterate, it is far more than a term. It is a harmful concept and practice of governance which will breed more citizens like the looters, robbers and helpless victims we watched in New Orleans. President Bush has used the term to justify and perpetuate useless, wasteful and destructive government welfare-like programs and to rationalize the further growth of government.
For ten years, I worked with people who were the failed products of the welfare state. I walked through some of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods in America, and came to know some of them and their familes rather well. Most were individuals with potential and dreams BUT FOR government programs, would have been realized.
"W's" "compassionate conservatism" will continue to further the hapless and wanton destruction of the lives of many such Americans. Opposing the continuation of such ruinous government policies is a waste of emotional energy??? I think not. Only an irrational mind would offer such ludicrous advice.
A great number of matters are currently of great societal importance. I have worked hard and sacrificed much for many of them since my university days, including pro-life issues. I will choose what, when, where, how and why I choose to address or expend energy on various issues without the flawed, biased, arrogant and self righteous judgement of blind persons like you.