A few principles of conservatism are defined below. Bare in mind that this is not a long list. Just some ideas about the modern conservative, with videos that support the text and make it a bit more interesting.
Conservatism is evolving. You either change with the times or you become history. The point of greatest change nowadays lies not in the question, “What is a conservative?” but rather, “Who is a conservative.” The modern conservative movement embraces diversity. Many minorities, once thought “‘owned” by the Liberal side, are coming over to join the conservative movement. Conservatives are makig progress in putting forth a party that looks young, diverse, and maybe a bit edgy.
A Dictionary definition of “Conservative” explains: One who is disposed to support cultural traditions, established institutions, and long standing values.
Well that explains almost nothing. Ask a dozen “experts” on politics or society; “What’s a Conservative?” and you will come back with a dozen different definitions. And if you try to cover it all in a single definition you get vague crap like the definition at the beginning of this paragraph.
Limited Government: All conservatives are for limited government. They believe in self-reliance and personal autonomy and reject encroachment of government in their lives. Conservatives try to avoid becoming dependent on the government to fulfill our needs.
Family values: Concern about the survival of the American family in it’s traditional role as the foundation of western culture. These conservatives promote “family values” as a guiding principle.
Capitalism: Is the belief in the free market as the healthiest engine of progress in a society. In fact it has been said that capitalism has lifted more people from poverty than all other known systems.
Conservatives see a limited role for Government in their lives.
Liberals/Progressives see big, intrusive government as the caretaker of everyone.
Progressives reject competition to protect the feelings of any potential losers.
Conservatives see failure as a valuable part of life.
Coservatives think competition heathy for society and the economy.
Progressives/liberals, reject individual achievement for acceptance to the group. And ultimately reliance on the government for their needs.
