[DariusBane]

to address this again...

I have found it interesting to try and define modern day Conservatism.

During Ronaldus Magnus, we had a coalition of Pro Constitution types like me who were attracted to the small government philosophy and rhetoric. But Ronaldus Magnus also would talk about law and order and judges “soft on crime”. So that was the coalition. Sort of Jefferson for small government and liberty and the heavy prudish hand of Cromwell?

Also as you so eloquently say, a reaction to the Vietnam era anti war, free love and drugs crowd. Interesting to think about.

[southern rock]

Yes, you would have to imagine that conservatism was a different animal pre-counter culture. When that came along, it must have seemed so alien and scary to the previous generation, I don't blame the Reagan-era conservatives for going all "law and order". But, in retrospect, it has reeked havoc on the very Constitutional principals that conservatism is supposed to be about and defend.

It is also ironic, but not unexpected, that now that the counter-culture generation is the establishment, the roles are reversing.

Many here on FR are still living in the '60's and '70's and don't get it that they, as conservatives are or soon will be, on the wrong side of the "law and order" stick.