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Conservative or Reactionary?

Sam Brownback, Newt Gingrich, or Duncan Hunter? The competition for the mantle of “true conservative” has brought a bumper crop of self-righteous culture warriors, but few offer conservatism in government’s involvement in our lives. They strive to legislate morality, coerce propriety, and deride dissent as immoral.

The party that advocates for individual accountability should trust the individual in matters of conscience. The party that calls for smaller government has grown bureaucracy using hollow justifications of education and security. The same politicians who denounce the “nanny state,” have protected us from internet gambling and feel free to violate the 4th amendment to protect us from terrorist mail.

Traditional conservatism calls for government restraint. Our Constitution calls for limited federal functions, generous liberties, and government in the interest of all Americans; representative of the majority but respectful of the minority.

Barry Goldwater was once seen as the conservative’s conservative. He recognized the dubious conservatism of the religious right.

The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent. If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I’m frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D.” Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me? And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of “conservatism.”—Barry Goldwater from the Congressional Record, September 16, 1981 (via Fort Liberty.org)

I propose a return to traditional conservatism. With $9 trillion in national debt, we have ample justification to cut our bloated federal government. A conservative government should remove obstacles to individual achievement, encourage free markets, and burden taxpayers as little as possible. Government should have little influence over the choices of consenting adults, and most effectively represent public interests at the state and local level.

Don’t be fooled by false conservatism. Conservative social and religious values, freely imposed by an intrusive government, are reactionary. False conservatism doesn’t serve the Constitution, the interests of liberty, or the American people.

Michael


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Comment from Daniel J Golden:

I am officially impressed. I was sitting here on wikipedia doing some research for an upcoming discussion I will be having about potential presidential candidates on an independant podcast this week, and I run into your name. I did a little more searching and found this here blog page. I like what I’m reading, for the most part. I’m a 31 year old married-with-children man who has pretty much been a “South Park Republican” my whole life. Actually hearing a Republican candidate say that he wants the party to stop bothering with pointless “issues” like abortion and same-sex marriage is beautiful music to my ears. Let me be the first Minnesotan to formally lend you my support. Good job, and good luck!

Unfortunately, the podcast I’m appearing on is VERY independant and won’t get alot of exposure if I happen to bring up your name. Regardless, it’s a pretty good show and you should check it out anyway. Find it at www.youaretheguest.com


Posted by Daniel J Golden    Jan 30, 05:51 PM    #
Comment from Tim French:

I agree with Mr. Golden, I’m impressed with you and your site. It is nice to find someone who will take a stand on issues instead of waiting to see which answer will get them the most votes.

I have posted a short blog about your site at:
GovGame.Net

http://govgame.net/dnn/Home/Blog/tabid/158/Default.aspx

Good Luck,
Tim


Posted by Tim French    Feb 5, 08:13 PM    #
Comment from Michael Smith:

Daniel and Tim,

Thanks very much for the kind words.


Posted by Michael Smith    Feb 5, 09:10 PM    #

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