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Here is one definition:

"Historically, neoconservatism has been marked by a strong anti-Communism, a deep appreciation of America, a critical celebration of capitalism, a stress on the importance of religion and virtues, a sense of tragedy about the effects of social action and a cons tant aversion to individualistic heresies - either on the libertarian right or the licentious left."

I view Neocons as being internationalist, interventionist, for a strong military, pro free trade and anti-protectionist, pro civil rights in a color blind way, pro welfare reform, valuing religion even if not religious themselves, concerned about the dysfunction of the educational establishment and pro voucher, and while not against government, or big government, of centralized government per se or a social safety net, desirous of continual engagment in an honest evaluation of its effects, efficicacy and consequences.

I pretty much take a Neocon position down the line in most things I post here. But then I am a Neocon.

Another definition requires that you had to be once a liberal, and it helped to be Jewish as well. That defintion is silly and outdated, and doesn't fit me. In fact, I used to be more traditionally conservative with a moderate amount of libertarian coloration, than I am now.

I hope that helps.

Thank you Torie.

If I could press you further.. that's pretty broad, imo.

What are the points of contention between these "neo-cons" and the non-neo-cons"

I mean, this is so ambiguous as to leave me wondering if I am indeed one of these "Neo-conservatives" or not.

(Actually, I don't even know if they/we are a majority at this point.)

I suppose the Fiscal-conservatives and the Pro-government RINO's and open border types could definitely fall into the "neo" category, but so could many social conservatives and Christian conservatives as well. This is very confusing for me.

It's so broad as to be almost meaningless.

I think former New York City public official and mayoral candidate Herman Badillio put it best when he said (roughly paraphrased):

"Yeah I was for a lot of the government poverty programs when they were passed, but they didn't work"

"If being for standards means being a Republican, I guess I am a Republican."