6 Conservative priciples.....

[poltr1]

I recently moved cubicles at work, so that my teammates would be more close together. In my new cubicle was a magnet from the conservative think-tank The Heritage Foundation, on which were printed these six conservative principles. Presumably this was left behind by the previous tenant.

• Less government. Reduce government regulations or the size of government, eliminate entitlements, or cut out necessary programs.


• Lower taxes. Promote individual responsibility in spending, or reduce taxes or fees.


• Personal responsibility. Encorage responsible behavior by individuals and families, and encourage them to provide for their own health, safety, education, moral fortitude, and general welfare.


• Individual freedom. Increase opportunities for individuals or families to decide, without hindrance or coercion from government, how to conduct their lives and make personal choices.


• Stronger families. Enhance the traditional American family and its power to rear children without excessive interference from the government.


• Domestic tranquility and national defense. Enhance American security without unduly burdening civil liberty.

I don't have a problem with these per se. If this is what it means to be a conservative, I'd be one. But somewhere along the line, I think these ideals were hijacked by well-meaning but self-serving and misguided individuals and parties. People who valued conformity over diversity. People who valued their religion as more valid than others. And people who used classism to isolate themselves from others.

There are those who still believe these principles, but reject the claptrap of the Religious Reich. I think they call themselves Libertarians. :-)

I believe Ambrose Bierce said it best: "A conservative is one who is enamored with existing evils, as opposed to the liberal, who wants to replace them with others."

Comments

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

I could write a long and grumpy comment agreeing with you, or I could just say I agree with you. :)

Also, I like the Ambrose Bierce quotation. He was such a lovely snarker.

[poltr1]

I'll take the long and grumpy comment. Maybe tomorrow.

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

Here, let me get you started:

Individual freedom. Increase opportunities for individuals or families to decide, without hindrance or coercion from government, how to conduct their lives and make personal choices.

Except, of course, where it concerns reproductive freedom, whom to marry, or what substances to put into your own body.

"Republicans want to regulate sex and drugs; Democrats want to leave those alone and regulate everything else."