:-D
I like and respect JimRob. But he doesn't get to redefine political conservatives as liberals anymore than anyone else does.
You see, there's another philosophy from your own. It's called 'political conservatism' or 'fiscal conservatism'.
To the rest of the world, that's "conservative".
Now if the traditionalists wish to redefine 'politically conservative' as "liberal", as some of you folks are so desperately trying to do, don't be surprised if others are amused by your attempts to change the language to your own ends.
Well, my point is that that is how conservative is defined on this website, so the posters here should not have to listen to insults from Rudy supporters.
But, I think you are the one doing the redefining. Libertarians want to push themselves under the conservative umbrella, but that doesn't make them true conservatives.
Fair enough. There are cultural conservatives who primarily focus on an overarching direction of society, religious conservatives that see the necessity to keep God in the forefront and not be a sinful society, and fiscal conservatives who see economic freedom & performance as primary. But the overlap is TREMENDOUS. For example, all three groups would likely be in favor of harsh punishment for rapists. All three would claim adherence to the literal meaning of the Constitution. All three would be in favor of lowered taxes. With that in mind, answer the following:
Which type of conservative advocates and implements strict gun controls? What kind advocates and implements "hate crimes" legislation? What type is willing to believe Algore's version of global warming? What kind of conservative thinks allowing illegal aliens to run rampant is a good idea? What kind consistently pushes the gay agenda? What kind would confiscate an acquitted man's property? What kind would claim that "freedom means authority"? What kind of conservative sues gun manufacturers? What type cannot see PBA as infantacide? What kind sues tobacco companies?
The answer is that NONE of the types of conservatives advocate any of the above. Meaning the Giuliani, despite being in favor of lower taxes, cutting red tape and fighting the WOT, is not a conservative.
And on top of that, EACH of the candidates in the GOP primary are in favor of low taxes, cutting red tape and fighting the WOT. And by golly, some are even more qulified to fight that WOT than Rudy.