On Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 we will begin a series of debates between American right-wingers / conservatives and those that call themselves such.
This is to vent some heat from various exchanges going on around my peephole view of the blogosphere, and hopefully produce light. As conservatives within the American framework, what do we believe? What should we fight?
Participation in these events is restricted to those that consider themselves politically conservative in the context of politics in the United States of America. Foreign trespassers and known leftist trolls will be deleted. As host of the debate, I'll be moderating and slinging questions as agent provocateur.
Keep it on topic. Keep it non-personal. Keep it real. We want to know conservatism in the contemporary American context and where and how it should shape domestic and foreign policy.
Qualifying round: What is a conservative and why do you believe yourself to be one?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Warmup Match
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A Conservative is someone with their eyes wide open and their brain engaged. This alone separates them from a liberal. Being Conservative begins with a desire to be your own man and stand on your own two feet. From there it goes to people being wise with their money and wanting the government to do the same. There is nobody more compassionate than a Conservative because they want to help their fellow man in a hands-on and voluntary way by showing them how to fish and not by giving them a fish. Government is only for things that someone cannot do for themselves. Something that needs a large collective such as an armed force, a highway system, power stations, etc...
“Conservative” suggests a particular philosophy upon which we form individual behavior. It can be a political view, or certain ideas about financial management, or even how one views religion. We can simplify this somewhat. I vote for politicians who share my philosophical views about government. I attend churches that share my ideas about God. Conservative philosophy guides my spending and savings habits. It is not what I am, it is rather who I am. In this regard, I am not of one party or the other; party affiliation is much too simplistic involving weighty issues.
Whenever someone refers to me as a conservative, I am not insulted. I do notice, conversely, that whenever you call a liberal a socialist, they bristle. I don’t understand this. Why should they be insulted when anyone identifies them as what they are? I suspect that there is an innate “un-American” connotation with the word socialist; they are that, but they don’t want anyone to think they are un-American. Sadly delusional, I think. So what they do is use the old “non-PC’ clichés hoping we’ll stop calling them dirty names.
I’m proud to be a conservative. If a person isn’t particularly proud to be a liberal, come on over … there’s plenty of room in our tent.
To me, American conservatism is the worldview that forcefully and vigilantly declares that economic and political freedoms are to be defended virtues both at home and abroad. A conservative is suspicious of a government that grows to minimalize economic and political freedom or empowers those in the world that would. We are citizens, not subjects, of a nation founded to champion those ideas. Championing the cause of economic and political freedom is the source of American exceptionalism.
Defining "conservative" and "conservatism" isn't an easy task.
In my view, an American conservative is one who is, first of all, a strict constructionist with regard to our Constitution. I believe that the government's purpose is that of protecting our individual rights as outlined in the Bill of Rights.
Papa Frank said:
Government is only for things that someone cannot do for themselves.
Then, PF went on to define that statement:
such as an armed force, a highway system, power stations, etc...
However, the statement itself does give an opening to entitlements, which in an of themselves are primarily a leftist concept and even the basis of The Nanny State.
I believe that an American conservative, in the strictest sense of the term, wants only enough government structure to provide for what the Articles of Confederation didn't provide for: a standing army, a common currency, etc. Unfortunately, conservatism today encompasses more. Thus, Tax Freedom Day has moved far beyond January 22, the day designated in 1900.
I think that the Robin Hood mentality shouldn't be part of conservatism: "take from the rich and give to the poor." Unfortunatly, most governments today concentarat on just that: taking from one group and giving to another.
In my view, the arrival of federal income tax marked the end of true conservatism in America. The government was handed the tool with which to pick our pockets and to be irresponsible with spending and the federal budget.
Thanks for the opportunity Beamish!
Your "gunslinger" description pretty much sums me up. I believe in a small, Constitutionally limited federal government, whose PURPOSE is to protect our G-d given rights as stated in the Declaration of Independance.
This is how we maintain the maximum amount of human freedom while having just enough government to provide for the common defense and give us a framework for the preservation of a civil society.
Government is out of control on all levels--especially the federal level--and needs to be reigned in for the Civil Society to survive.
Well said Mustang:
"Whenever someone refers to me as a conservative, I am not insulted. I do notice, conversely, that whenever you call a liberal a socialist, they bristle. I don’t understand this. Why should they be insulted when anyone identifies them as what they are?"
They take "socialist" as a pejorative almost every time. It's OBVIOUSLY anti-American, and they usually fit the label. One character trait that I've noticed from leftists is that they will LIE INCESSANTLY! Not every one mind you, but it seems the majority of them will lie shamelessly since the ends justifies the means as far as they are concerned.
Remember, in their opinion, they are saving the world from evil. WE are evil as far as they're concerned.
Mustang and Jingoist,
I think the bristling against the charge of being a "socialist" is precisely because socialism is the path to destroy American exceptionalism. Economic and political freedom are the sources of America's greatness - indeed the source of any nation's greatness - and the very things socialism destroys.
A conservative should hate major gov't and major taxation; the local community should be taken care of by the local community.
A conservative should strive to take care of themselves and those who are honestly trying.
That's a nutshell...
If I had to define a political conservative in a one liner, I'd say, "A conservative is an anti-Statist."
Conservatives don't live under the rule of change. They like to preserve things the way they are. Constitution. Family. Democracy. Anti-Abortion. Belief in Christ. Values and morality. Living along lines where basic human rules are followed. Core values of a conservative. Those are my principal core values, amongst honor, courage and commitment.
Conservatives believe in peaceful co-existence; however, conservatives really don't enjoy the concept of multi-culturalism because that threatens nationalism, our very religious beliefs, and our way of life in America. Even though America is a "melting pot" conservatives realize that certain "groups" of people simply cannot co-exist with us, i.e. radical Islam.
Conservatives view Israel as our only ally in the Middle East. Israel is a democracy; therefore, we must do all we can to assist them. There was a time where I wanted all foreign aid severed so we could take care of our own but I prefer to make Israel, or like nations who are threatened by others, a priority so that they can preserve the ideals of democracy.
As a conservative I am against abortion unless the mother's life is in danger. Liberals find that abortion is necessary so that it becomes a "choice" thereby interfering with the natural process of life and the formation of families.
As a conservative, I don't allow smooth talkers to completely envelop my emotions whereas liberals do; i.e. when they hear Obama speak.
Conservatives don't readily embrace socialism; however, aspects and forms of socialism are around us. Government programs like Food stamps (WIC), Social security, FAFSA for college aid, or any other government program that provides help to people who could be working, is a form of socialism.
I do support the British National Party, as previously mentioned, but I don't necessarily "like" all of their ideals. Socialism in Britain has become a norm and the people there tend to embrace it, but as long as our government - conservatives - don't embrace Socialism, I am totally fine with that. Another reason I support the BNP is because they are Labour's primary enemy, and that they have the potential to block Labour, which is in fact one of the most Liberal governments in our world today.
As for foreign aid, I wish they'd drastically reduce it. Keep aid going to countries who embrace our ideals, but immediately halt aid to countries like Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and the animals who live against Israel, the palestinians.
So, I believe myself to be a conservative; however, like most of you, there are tinges of other ideals within me. I'm probably a mixed breed. I do embrace some aspects of libertarianism but I abhor liberalism. I do, however, view myself as someone with radical ideas, especially when it comes down to problem-solving the issue of illegal immigration. I know how I'd take care of that little problem quickly.
Leftists had a false and demeaning WAR ON POVERTY and now have a frightening, subversive and unthinking WAR ON PROSPERITY.
Conservatives believe in prosperity and that it starts at home with a good education and a good job. It's something to be revered and personal prosperity impels the country's prosperity, which it seems only Conservatives seem to hold in high esteem.
I can go on and on, or I can say DITTO to the above comments. Both of which work for me.
Liberals bristle at the term 'liberal' and then change their moniker to PROGRESSIVE. If PROGRESSIVE includes the honoring and paying for illegals, the trickle up economy they seem to think works, immorality because it feels good, abortion at all costs (especially if it costs conservatives who are against it), the kind of demoralizing in welfare/affirmative action, etc etc...then let them call themselves either terms..I am SO PROUD NOT TO BE NEITHER.
And, Beamish, since you'd said you weren't blogging anymore for a while, I hadn't been by. Sorry I hadn't...I'm SO glad you're back in the saddle. (so to speak:-)
Great comments everyone.
From these general answers, I'm going to move the discussion towards specifics on domestic and foreign policy.
Do I look okay? I know what you're saying. You're saying, "Hey. Where has FJ been? Haven't seen him on 'The Crank Files' in a while.." [ chuckles ] They want me. They call me every week to do the blog. But I have been holding out for a little bit of this.. [ rubs his fingers together ] And so the calls fly back and forth, and I made a deal, and I'm very happy to be here tonight. I wish I'd asked for money instead of a little bit of this.. [ rubs his fingers together again ]
You probably heard I was into the blogging thing. Kind of getting out of that now.. into a little more serious deal. And so that's why right now I'd like to talk about "What.. I.. Believe.."
[ heavy music starts to play ]
"What I Believe."
I believe in rainbows and puppy dogs and fairy tales.
And I believe in the family - Mom and Dad and Grandma.. and Uncle Tom, who waves his penis.
And I believe 8 of the 10 Commandments.
And I believe in going to church every Sunday, unless there's a game on.
And I believe that sex is one of the most beautiful, wholesome and natural things.. that money can buy.
And I believe it's derogatory to refer to a woman's breasts as "boobs", "jugs", "winnebagos" or "golden bozos".. and that you should only refer to them as "hooters".
And I believe you should put a woman on a pedestal.. high enough so you can look up her dress.
And I believe in equality, equality for everyone.. no matter how stupid they are, or how much better I am than they are.
And, people say I'm crazy for believing this, but I believe that robots are stealing my luggage.
And I believe I made a mistake when I bought a 30-story 1-bedroom apartment.
And I believe the Battle of the Network Stars should be fought with guns.
And I believe that Barack Obama can make this country what it once was - an arctic region covered with ice.
And, lastly, I believe that of all the evils on this earth, there is nothing worse than the music you're listening to right now. That's what I believe.
Apologies to Steve Martin for the "liberal" use of edits above...
[message from Ducky deleted]
Let me remind those who epitomize the lack of reading comprehension skills and other kinds of leftists that this discussion is welcome to those who consider themselves "conservative."
Participation in these events is restricted to those that consider themselves politically conservative in the context of politics in the United States of America. Foreign trespassers and known leftist trolls will be deleted.
Point of order. Most all of my friends consider me the most moderate in my group. I should be allowed to debate.
Ducky,
Okay. Answer the question. What is a conservative and why do you believe yourself to be one?
You do believe yourself to be a conservative?
FJ,
Your check's in the mail ;)
Thanks uncle Tom!
Actually I am not Conservative even though my nationalism, foreign policy and some values over lap.
It is amusing that Duncy can not often make the distinctions between myself and those to the right.
I believe in government regulation of business but not control of business.
Beak,
Actually I think a lot of us are a mixed breed.
I feel, however, that my views on how I would handle things are slightly on the radical side.
Let's put it this way: Sarkozy is barely scratching the surface on the Muslim problem in France.
Steve, did you see Sarkozy has appointed a CLIMATE CHANGE SKEPTIC? I swear! Love it. FINALLY, maybe some government will actually LISTEN to the thousands of scientists who think differently than the LEFT...and they'll have the facts the LEFT doesn't want to see.
I guess, Beamish, that FACTS might be a great divider of leftwingers and conservatives. At least Conservatives seem ready to listen to both sides. The Leftwingers haven't even invited the 'very little human cause' climate change people to present papers at conferences.
Beamish....Domestic: Choices which err on the side of and support AMERICANS. BIG difference.
Foreign: YOu, first.
Well, tomorrow is the big day. I'm going to concentrate on domestic policy questions and how conservative views should inform those policies first. As I foresee this going on through July and possibly an "every Wednesday" thing, we'll get down and dirty with the foreign policy later.
Most all of my friends consider me the most moderate in my group.
Spoken as a true moral relativist; next to Stalin, Trotsky was a peach.
You only think that because Trotsky never had his own country, Mustang. Stalin was a "sell-out"; too cowardly in Trotsky's eyes to force the entire world to live under the communist fist.
Stalin "settled" for socialism in one country. Trotsky's brand of communism wanted to set the ENTIRE WORLD on socialist fire.
Yeah, you're catching on, Farmer.
Now it's time to teach the group some Hegel.
Ducky,
Santayana and Fukiyama set up a ping-pong table.
Santayana served "those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
Fukiyama swatted the ball back "we are at the end of history!"
Santayana deflected the ball back "those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it..."
Beak,
I believe in government regulation of business but not control of business.
The problem is that government regulation, unless forced to abide by strictures and checks & balances, leads to government control.
I guess that Duck didn't read the instructions.
Indeed, did he even read the post? Sheesh.
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