The Chains of Conservativism

Somebody said that to me recently (break free of the chains of conservatism) and I truly do not even know what it means. I suppose conservative implies an opposition to liberal. But,I think that we communicate in so many ways across so many forms of media that some sort of intellectual short hand has become the norm and the meaning of what we say is lost. And justifiably so. I mean, who really has time to ponder such things? O.K., I guess I do.

But why? I don't know. Certainly there are more practical things to spend my time on. Like learning to speak Na'Vi. But something I really enjoy in life is seeking out and finding the juicy contradiction that sheds a brighter light on something. For example, I had a great economics professor in college who explained to us clearly and forcefully how trade barriers amongst countries screwed the consumer, specifically as it related to the auto industry. This was when Japan agreed to limit imports so that Chrysler, GM, and Ford could catch up in the early 80s. Point was that the government was forcing the American consumer to subsidise inferior companies by limiting the consumers choices. Powerful argument. Then, I noticed he drove a Chevy. I asked him. I said, 'Aren't you supporting the barriers to trade by buying an American car?' He said, 'Yeah.' I said, 'So why do it? Seems like you are contradicting your argument.' He said, 'Hey, I am a state employee. I want to support the state economy.' Ahhhh. So true that as all politics are local, so is all economics. He was a free trade guy and believed that the less the government did the better. But, he knew where his bread was buttered. Is there anything wrong with that? Well, sort of.

Anyway, I tend to think of conservative v liberalism in terms of politics and economics. I know often the terms are used to describe civil, religious, or (how to say this and maintain a G rating on this post) . . . life style rights. And, I think a lot of people make the mistake of thinking that if they, or somebody else, falls into one camp, they are a member of all the others. That is foolish and I think is partly why our society seems to be getting angrier all the time. Example; If you are gay it does not necessarily mean you believe we need to grow the government or that you have anti-family values. Or, if you believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God and that abortion is murder, it does not necessarily mean you believe a woman does not have the right to make that call. Personally, I think . . . what I think, and that is my call, thank you very much.

Anyway, here is my take on conservatism v liberalism. Politically, conservatives want less government. Liberals want social programs. Most of the people I know are political conservatives and most of them take advantage of some government social program or entitlement. Go figure. Do I need to call them out? No way. I need all the friends I can get. Michael Savage, that's what you get paid for.

Economically, conservatives want free trade and the right to personal property because free trade prevents wars. Give Cubans the right to own their own home and they will defend it with their lives the way we do in this country.

Civil rights for minorities and women: Conservatives believe in personal rights, not group rights. The 13th and 19th amendments were not victories for group rights, they were victories over hate and oppression. Liberals want special treatment for certain groups. Does it work? I don't know. Sometimes. Affirmative action has given us leaders we otherwise would not have. Unions made lives better for millions. Who is to say? I know this, it was the Iraqi women that went out into the street to get to the voting centers in the first free election in that country. Not the men. Point being, why in the hell cant they get a drivers license?

Religious rights: Conservatives believe in the right to worship anywhere, any time. Liberals believe Christian Judeo values mean you are intolerant. There is truth in both sides. A Christian testimony rooted in condemnation will win few converts. A liberal testimony made up of clever insults will increase acrimony. Grow up Bill Mahr. Grow up TV preachers, except Joyce Meyers. Wish both sides new more about Bill W and Dr. Bob. And the Sermon on The Mount.

Regardless of where you stand on anything, the fact is that a government that is not economically sustainable will not last. If we want social programs that we cannot afford then we will have to just conquer some weaker countries. Is that what the libs want? If we don't have some sort of government oversight the greed that lives in the heart of mankind will bring pain to many. Is that what the conservatives want? How much government is the right amount? We will have to decide at some point.