Creek, I hope you don't mind that I pinged you ... boxlunch, is that how you define "conservatives" -- those who want to see those agencies shut down? What about the libertarians who have always wanted to see those agencies shut down -- are they conservatives, too?
Cripplecreek, do YOU think that's a good definition of "conservative"?
Or is "conservative" like Rick Santorum, very much anti-abortion and "pro-family," but who, in shutting down Planned Parenthood, instead of allowing taxpayers to keep their own money instead of fund Planned Paranthood, Santorum stated that he'd redirect those taxpayer dollars into adoption-promoting programs. Is that what "conservative" is?
A huge number of Americans don't consider themselves "conservative" but support "conservative" causes. Pro gun rights - is that conservative? How do I tell my very liberal but very pro-2nd Amendment friend he's conservative? Anti-abortion and anti gay agenda -- is that conservative? If so, how do I tell my liberal Democrat friends who hate abortion and the gay agenda, that they're "conservative"?
For "conservatives" to try to take the mantle and insist that it's their way or the highway ... they're sabotaging themselves out of vanity, IMO.
I’m not totally sure I’m following where you are going with that. Would appreciate a little more explanation of what you are getting at so I can try to respond.
Are you just saying maybe even the word “conservative” has been kind of corrupted, means a lot of things to a lot of people and we shouldn’t even try using that word?
Rather, just (if you are talking about a new party), instead of saying we are “conservative”, just say THIS is what we stand for a list out the platform, where the party stands on various issues, and how we intend to keep anyone running under the “Freedom Party” banner accountable to that? (Maybe the word “Constitutional” is better. I am very, very conservative personally, but I want my government to abide by the constitution, while allowing me the freedom through my personal life and church to promote conservative causes.
And, at least for me, for the one issue of adoption you mentioned, no, I don’t agree with government giving money to adoption promoting programs. I am totally pro adoption, but don’t want the government in any part of it. That’s not government’s job.
Don’t know if that answers your question or not - again, not sure I’m following where you were going with that.