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You asserted, "They (the social issues) are religiously and morally based, not conservatively based." Gee, perhaps you would educate me as to what is 'true' source of conservative values.

There are several versions of conservatism, some of which are classical, paleo, neo, social, and a handful more. A history of conservatism reflects an acceptance of religion as a pacifier, but not a linkage with it. A conservative does not have to be religious to be conservative, nor is a religious person a de facto conservative.

Conservatives believe in the value of institutions, and cherish traditions; do not fear change, but demands slow, methodical change. A conservative is cautious about unforeseen results of change. Security and possession of property and the rights thereto are paramount to a conservative. Capitalism and its protection through nonmarket institutions is important. Human rights whether considerd as having been provided by God or by the nature of man are paramount and must always be protected, leading to the conservative belief that governments must exist and must be strong enough to protect those rights and provide the structure for a free society.

Currently, conservatives look at national security first and foremost, government control of the budgetary process, reducing those government institutions to those absolutely necessary, and moving as many functions as possible to the lowest level of government feasible, including the private sector. Conservatives believe that religious institutions must be protected, but do not wish those institutions to otherwise impact the functions of government.

There are many more characteristics, but as I said earlier, many variations. Extremism of any type is not found in any legitimate definition of conservatism. I could go on, but as you see, for most, specific religious convictions are not a prerequisite for a claim of conservatism.

Your 'definition' sounds suspiciously like the boortzian image of libertarianism. It has a circular quality to it that purposely omitted 'moral values' in order to focus upon denigrating religious values as passe. It also rings of democrat efforts to paint themselves as 'just as religious' as republican conservatives, while championing abortion on demand and societal engineering.

I agree that government, especially our government established to protect LIFE, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, has the main job to protect and should be minimized on other imperatives.

Thank you for your extensive response ... I am beginning to see Rudy as the preferred candidate of libertarians who remain in the republican party. With what you espouse for conservatism, that appears to be an explanation of why some Rudy supporters are so willing to compromise/drop treaditional conservative values as defining character in order to endorse Rudy. It might also explain the all or nothing approach at this too early point in the nomination campaign ... the 'teach them a lesson' mentality was pervasive from libertarians in the '06 election cycle. I do not think libertarians will be successful in taking control of the republican party for '08, but I could be wrong and republicans may end up being dumb enough or scared enough to accept the libertarian definition of conservatism.