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

SSG Gerhard S. — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 16:45:35 -0400

I have heard many call themselves political conservatives but I know of few people who can define what conservatism is. What's your definition?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2014 4:50 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 16:50:14 -0400

SSG Seidel, The personal will and capacity to defend by whatever means necessary both the the United States and the Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2014 5:00 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 17:00:30 -0400

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.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Aug 9 at 2014 9:08 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 21:08:24 -0400

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

World's Smallest Political Quiz

Liberals usually embrace freedom of choice in personal matters, but tend to support significant government control of the economy. They generally support a government-funded "safety net" to help the disadvantaged, and advocate strict regulation of business. Liberals tend to favor environmental regulations, defend civil liberties and free expression, support government action to promote equality, and tolerate diverse lifestyles.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 9:59 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 21:59:11 -0500

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.

World's Smallest Political Quiz

Response by SSgt Randy Saulsberry made Mar 28 at 2015 7:35 AM

SSgt Randy Saulsberry — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 07:35:34 -0400

You either wanna keep things the way they are or return them to the way it was.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Mar 30 at 2015 8:52 AM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 08:52:49 -0400

Restrained progress, reactionary. One who favors government closest to the people.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 10 at 2016 11:18 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:18:34 -0500

I believe that the labels "liberal" and "conservative" are 1 foot by 1 foot labels we try to put on 4 ounce jars. When someone asks me which I am, I ask them to challenge me on an issue, not a label.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 10 at 2016 11:28 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:28:35 -0500

To me "conservatism" and "liberalism" are merely an approach to making choices. Conservatives more likely to want to maintain the status quo, particularly if it's working (or appears to be working), whereas liberals tend to want to make changes. I am typically a centrist, but on the issues I am a conservative on, it's let's not make changes if there is no need to make changes....or I am leery of the changes that others want to make as I feel the end results may not be the expected outcomes.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 10 at 2016 1:00 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 13:00:56 -0500

TC and the rest of the GOP candidates (except DT) nowadays make good examples of what and who a conservative extremist is, esp the part of not compromising at any level whatsoever. There no longer seems to be any middle ground even on individual issues.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 7:07 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 19:07:13 -0500

Those that want to Conserve our Traditions, Constitution, and way of life.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 11 at 2016 10:25 AM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 10:25:18 -0500

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

^^Just do that.^^

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 1:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 13:17:51 -0400

Conservative is the political opposite of Progressive. While progressives seek to increase liberty and equality among men, conservatives seek to maintain the status quo and/or turn back the clock on progressive gains. Gay marriage is one example where progressives sought to increase liberty and equality while conservatives sought to adhere to traditional values that taught us that same sex relationships were wrong and something society should not condone. Even though I identify strongly as a Progressive (in most areas), I recognize that we need both in our society. Just because an idea sounds good and addressees a specific problem, doesn't mean it's a good idea.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Jun 18 at 2016 10:04 AM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 10:04:28 -0400

This may sound absurd but I believe it's someone who is unwilling to hear or even consider any opinion other than the one they endorse. I suppose this could also be called sticking to ones guns.