On Conservatives

I cannot ever be anti-conservative on general principles.  Why?  Because I know so many conservatives that are such good people and have such good values and such redeemable ideas.  The problem I have with some of their ideas is that, for every value I like, there seems to be an oxymoronic attitude to correspond to that ideal or action.  I am sure that they could point out the same about liberals and they are welcome to do so – on their own web site.  The ones that come to mind for me are (based upon personal observation and not stereotypes):

  • Positive: they are generally in favor of religion freedom (for themselves) – especially not wanting any government intervention in their practice and such things as taxes.
    • Negative: they are intolerant of other religions, especially non-Christians.
  • Positive: Support charitable actions such as food banks, food kitchens, clothing drives, homeless shelters, etc.
    • Negative: Object to welfare and food stamps.
  • Positive: Support charitable missions throughout the world.
    • Negative: Object to U.S. Foreign relief aid.
  • Positive: Want government deregulation – smaller government.
    • Negative: Want increased subsidies, foreign duties, government grants, and subsidized loans – larger government.
  • Positive: Want government to leave them alone for personal decisions – guns, alcohol, and personal decisions. Basically, they want freedom from the government.
    • Negative: They want the government to restrict those things they personally object to – drugs, abortion, sexual preferences, marriage, etc.

In short, I share a lot of Conservative values but I will be darned I can understand their ability to twist their values to face both ways at the same time.

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