What is your definiton of "Conservative", Politically speaking.

I see these sorts of arguments often, and hear them as well from personalities on the Radio. One of the problems with those who consider themselves "Conservatives" have no idea where the word comes from, what the principles are, or more importantly, how to express what Conservatism is. Their Definitions are almost always anecdotal, relating their beliefs to their definition of Conservatism.

I think 1LT Sandy Annala came closest with her defense of the Constitution comment.

I hope the following makes sense to all of you, and I also hope this will give you cause to consider what a "Conservative" actually is.

The Word "Conservative" has it's root in the word "Conserve" which means to maintain, or to be resistive to change.

So, In the American Sense, to be Conservative means to maintain the principles upon which this country was founded. That means upon the principles put forth in our Declaration of Independence, and the Principles, Arguments, Ratification and establishment of our Constitution.

So, where "Progressives" wish to do exactly the Opposite. That is to CHANGE the Constitution, or to make it irrelevant, or diminished in favor of more seemingly "modern" and immediately pressing issues. Progressives wish to move us slowly away from our founding principles, by addressing a never ending parade of "emergent" issues which they claim are outside the scope of our Constitution, with the aim of creating a greater and more powerful state.

Conservatives on the other hand wish to Utilize those founding principles of liberty and limited governance to keep the heavy and forceful hand of the Federal government as far away from our private and business lives as is possible. In doing so Conservatives believe the Principles of economic freedom, personal liberty and freedom of association will propel us, and influence others in the world to trade freely with each other to the benefit of all.

Now, a note here. If this idea of Conservatism doesn't sound like what the GOP does.... well, that makes you very observant. The GOP, as a rule, is as uninterested with the principles of our Founding that they have long lost the ability to be labeled Conservatives.

Any Constructive comments are welcome and appreciated.

The closest thing to Conservatives one is likely to find in the Organized political spectrum are the Libertarians. If you wonder where you stand, take this "World's smallest political quiz" to find out.

http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz/quiz.php

I self identify as a conservative, despite this little quiz defining me as a libertarian. While it's true that in a Venn diagram, there would be much overlapping, one plank in the libertarian platform prevents me from changing my affiliation towards them - I despise isolationism. I don't think it's a realistic or safe way to look at the world.

In other news, as a conservative - and a Christian evangelical one at that, (that may be important to know in a minute, given a particular view or two), I also believe the following:

1. Government shouldn't tell me what drugs I can or can't put into my body. I'm not a recreational drug user - but if I were, it's not the government's business.

2. Government shouldn't regulate who anyone can marry. I'm heterosexual, and because of my Christian beliefs, I believe marriage is one man and one woman. But those are MY beliefs. Marriage didn't originate with government...God created marriage. That makes it HIS to define, not government's. I don't condone gay marriage, but not because I have a problem with it...but because God does. Therefore, this isn't a matter to which government should involve itself, but rather one that should be between a person and God. I'm called to love my neighbor...not judge him - no matter how tempted I might be to do so.

3. Government shouldn't have the power to dictate what school my child must attend. For that matter, the Federal government shouldn't even have education on it's radar. Education is a state issue. And yes, the federal government IS involved in dictating school assignment by virtue of controlling states that take federal dollars for the education system. The threat of taking that funding away from the states for non-compliance allows DC to control local schools in a very real way.

I could go on for pages and pages...

Suffice it to say that I firmly believe that the Federal government should only have the power that was explicitly given to it in the Constitution. ALL other rights not named were reserved for the states.

However, strong politicians coupled with an uninformed and uninterested electorate have allowed the central government to usurp powers that were never granted to them. Seeing the over reach of the current administration is proof of what I'm talking about - and he is not the first, by any means.

But the fact that we seem to be deteriorating as a republic in this respect, only strengthens my resolve to remain steadfast in the face of such intrusion into my life.

Definition of conservative to me deals with personal responsibility and accountability.

Liberals look to be taken care of, conservatives look to take care of themselves. Liberals blame tools (guns) and try to ban them when something bad happens. Conservatives blame the person (back to personal accountability). Conservatives look for everyone to be equal at the start. Liberals look for everyone to be equal at the finish. I could keep going on, but I'll leave it at that for now.