Dixie - In Memoriam
New member
I have listened to a lot of my fellow conservatives, articulate their beliefs in fiscal conservatism, but maintain a very libertarian view on the social issues. I can respect how they feel, because I am somewhat the same, I don't particularly care how other people live their lives, and I believe we should be tolerant and open minded to those who prefer something different than ourselves.
In recent years, the left has successfully stigmatized the "religious right" and anchored social conservatism at the heel, with this pestilence. Because people of religion, are often very devoted and active regarding certain issues, the left can claim that is the basis for rendering all arguments invalid. This is done through an invisible wall of separation, and the liberal misunderstanding that religion can't be involved in government. But some on the right, will play into the trap, because they are like I am, they don't really give a shit about the social conservative issues, and just want everyone to be able to decide for themselves.
As a conservative, I believe this is a mistake in judgment, to abandon social conservative principles because they don't conform to personal philosophy. It effectively removes the counter-ideology to social liberalism, to take away social conservative issues. The fundamental basis for conservatism, is rooted in a very strong religiously-based belief system, where all men are created equally and endowed with certain rights. It is through this belief in 'God', strength of human character and resolve, that we can begin to formulate the basis for fiscal conservative policies and initiatives. Without the fundamental belief that men are created equal, we allow that men may not be equal or created, and may be subject to manipulation and subjugation by men. That is the fundamental basis of liberalism, that is where liberalism begins, with the premise that man is not equal and requires men to manipulate the systems for them, in order to make it equal.
I think there is a clear and defined nexus between social and fiscal conservatism, and Republicans/Libertarians haven't found a way to connect with it. I think the best way to start, is to have a frank discussion about the differences between "social conservative values" and "religious wackos" and how they are not, one in the same. Wanting to have standards of decency in your community, in your schools and neighborhoods, is not wacko, it's pretty fucking normal in civilized society. Respecting life, whether it is a baby seal or an unborn human, is not wacko, it's pretty fucking humane. Many of the social conservative issues, don't require some religious backing or basis, they are just basic concepts of human decency. But it is the fact that they do have religious support and basis, that the left can attack them and fly away up to the top of that invisible wall.
Now, some of my fiscal conservative libertarian friends will say... but I just can't support the social conservative religious right... But, without supporting social conservative values, you are removing a vital pillar to fiscal conservative policy. Oh yes, you can still implement fiscal conservative policies, it's just that, every time you do, the left will pound you with emotive guilt trips, of which you have no answer for, and nothing to respond with, except a graph or chart. End result, Fiscal Conservatives = Scrooge...Grinch...Cheney et al. ....checkmate.
Social Conservatism offers the foundational belief that all men are created equal. That we are endowed by our Creator, certain inalienable rights, and our freedoms and liberties can not be taken by man. It is through that prism, we see the human spirit emerge into greatness and prosperity.
In recent years, the left has successfully stigmatized the "religious right" and anchored social conservatism at the heel, with this pestilence. Because people of religion, are often very devoted and active regarding certain issues, the left can claim that is the basis for rendering all arguments invalid. This is done through an invisible wall of separation, and the liberal misunderstanding that religion can't be involved in government. But some on the right, will play into the trap, because they are like I am, they don't really give a shit about the social conservative issues, and just want everyone to be able to decide for themselves.
As a conservative, I believe this is a mistake in judgment, to abandon social conservative principles because they don't conform to personal philosophy. It effectively removes the counter-ideology to social liberalism, to take away social conservative issues. The fundamental basis for conservatism, is rooted in a very strong religiously-based belief system, where all men are created equally and endowed with certain rights. It is through this belief in 'God', strength of human character and resolve, that we can begin to formulate the basis for fiscal conservative policies and initiatives. Without the fundamental belief that men are created equal, we allow that men may not be equal or created, and may be subject to manipulation and subjugation by men. That is the fundamental basis of liberalism, that is where liberalism begins, with the premise that man is not equal and requires men to manipulate the systems for them, in order to make it equal.
I think there is a clear and defined nexus between social and fiscal conservatism, and Republicans/Libertarians haven't found a way to connect with it. I think the best way to start, is to have a frank discussion about the differences between "social conservative values" and "religious wackos" and how they are not, one in the same. Wanting to have standards of decency in your community, in your schools and neighborhoods, is not wacko, it's pretty fucking normal in civilized society. Respecting life, whether it is a baby seal or an unborn human, is not wacko, it's pretty fucking humane. Many of the social conservative issues, don't require some religious backing or basis, they are just basic concepts of human decency. But it is the fact that they do have religious support and basis, that the left can attack them and fly away up to the top of that invisible wall.
Now, some of my fiscal conservative libertarian friends will say... but I just can't support the social conservative religious right... But, without supporting social conservative values, you are removing a vital pillar to fiscal conservative policy. Oh yes, you can still implement fiscal conservative policies, it's just that, every time you do, the left will pound you with emotive guilt trips, of which you have no answer for, and nothing to respond with, except a graph or chart. End result, Fiscal Conservatives = Scrooge...Grinch...Cheney et al. ....checkmate.
Social Conservatism offers the foundational belief that all men are created equal. That we are endowed by our Creator, certain inalienable rights, and our freedoms and liberties can not be taken by man. It is through that prism, we see the human spirit emerge into greatness and prosperity.
