Since everyone who posts here calls themselves a ‘conservative’ I cant see how you can get a coherent A or B answer but I agree with the below logic, a huge problem I had with GWB:
FROM LINK
Then I ran across a ideological changing article by the famous Dr. Walter E. Williams, Professor at George Mason University. The title of the article was “It’s Time to Part Company” and it forced me to begin a process of rediscovery. A rediscovery that would eventually lead to me change my entire understanding of the 50 States, 13 of which the Framers referred to as the Union. This process also led me to no longer define myself as a conservative and instead a Constitutionalist in relation to the national government even though I remain conservative in my general views of governance. So what’s the difference Mark...isn’t this just semantics or a play on words? Not in the slightest, it defines how I look at Washington DC, the elected officials that ask for a vote to go there and the bureaucrats that occupy vast amounts of space there.
A Constitutionalist demands from elected officials 100% compliance with the limitations placed on them by the Constitution. No wiggle room just because they will vote for our favorite extra-constitutional program.
A Constitutionalist decides that the Constitution is not a living breathing document that entitles us to vote for politicians that will give us what we want; whether it be a new entitlement program, farm subsidy, war, or aircraft carrier.
Agree and think this is the goal of the article...to properly define terms.
Conservatives (self included) generally promote the idea of a “limited government” whatever that means. But as soon as policies supported by republicans are challenged, why then I’m a progressive, turn-coat, etc which couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I’ve come to realize that conservatives have been raised on a diet of Republican politics, Heritage Foundation training and talk-radio hyperbole. Rarely stopping to think of whether ANYTHING the republicans have done while in or out of power has ANYTHING to do with the Constitution. An elementary assessment would suggest NOT.
So, what we really have as a measure of “conservatism” in the 21st century is personality driven politics. And right now, the flavor of the month is Herman Cain regardless of his comments about entitlement programs, taxation. Never mind those Framers, let’s get him in office, he’ll fix everything! Next month it will be Perry, then Newt and so on and so on.
Like I said, PRINCIPLE of politics, party or politician.