>>I believe Conservatism has nothing to do with religion and exists separate and apart. That's why people like Pat Robertson are so annoying.<<
I disagree. Self-government is not possible among a group of people who do not have any moral/ethical belief system. If a group of people without a core system of values and beliefs are given freedom, anarchy and chaos will result.
To exercise the rights given under the constitution responsibly, there must be value systems that regulate behavior, in order to make a free society have order.
Religion is not the only value system. My morals and ethics probably overlap yours to a very high degree. That your system is grounded in faith and mine is not makes no difference. I am pro-life, I am anti-tax, I think cheating is wrong, I am a committed husband and father, I don't swear in front of children, etc. I don't derive these morals from a faith in god but from an application of reason.
No one said that the system should not be moral and accord with values. But religion should be out of it.
People who share conservative values often won't vote Republican because of the Pat Robertsons and the Jerry Falwells of the world.
So, you are saying that atheists have no morals or ethics?
No Core system of values or beliefs?
Really?
Why aren't all atheists in prison?