Is “Conservatism” a dirty word? I ask because “holy cow” you would think that it is considering the political climate.

2015-03-30T00:00:24-04:00

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 12:01 AM

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But that doesn't mean I do not care about the person. That is a political lie and it is offensive.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Mar 30 at 2015 12:20 AM

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Conservatism is not a dirty word, I think most of us that serve or served are predominately conservative.

The two dirtiest words in Washington are Conservatives and Liberals. The parties are so diametrically opposed that nothing gets done, except for the daily finger pointing. I'm for any centrist that is willing to cross party lines to get this country moving. 20 years ago, compromise was the norm, now it is non-exsistant.

If you lean too hard to one side, you tend to tip over... As both parties appear to be doing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 12:36 AM

2015-03-30T00:36:12-04:00

honestly there is not much to believe in when it comes to the individuals taking our hard earned money in D.C.

I think Conservatives do more for Military personnel though.

I do not care what others think of my choices.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 30 at 2015 12:36 AM

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It is right now.

Response by SPC Donald Tribble made Mar 30 at 2015 12:44 AM

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Ma'am, I don't identify with any particular ideology for every situation. I evaluate each situation for how it matches my core beliefs. Being labeled one thing or another can paint one into a corner and not everything fits into one simple box.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 12:56 AM

2015-03-30T00:56:06-04:00

I'm still waiting for someone to vote "Huh?".... :) Humor me, people....

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 1:03 AM

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As I "hit the rack" The "I'm Conservative" and "I'm for those who really care about the United States" are tied..... I'd really like to see what the difference might be between those two groups. Is there any?

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 30 at 2015 1:34 AM

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According to Conservatives, I'm a Liberal. According to my own thinking, I am a thinker, and an independent. I actually apply thought to my positions, instead of blindly following party lines.

I have to think, from the framing of your question, that you are a Conservative. I would also suggest, that if you are sitting where I sit, it's the other way around.

My big problems with Conservatives surround hypocrisy. They, for a large part, claim to be Christians, yet they do not, in any way, follow Jesus' teachings. They support rampant greed at the corporate level, and show no mercy for those who are less fortunate.

It would not hurt the wealthy, in any way, to pay their fair share of taxes, for instance. Yet the GOP go out of their way to fight for every tax cut, loophole, etc., to ensure that big corporations can off shore earnings, pay little to no taxes, poison the environment, and harm their workers.

They also blindly adhere to the 2nd Amendment while often trouncing on people's 1st Amendment rights.

The Prophets of the Hebrew Bible, and Jesus, preached about taking care of the poor and less fortunate, yet the Conservatives do just the opposite while patting themselves on the back for being good Christians.

When the budget tanked, the GOP found $2T to bail out AIG and banks, but did nothing for main street. If they had poured that money into a major WPA style infrastructure program, it would have fixed our infrastructure woes, AND fixed the economy, but no - they had to go for the greed.

The sad thing is I used to be a card carrying conservative. But I got tired of the questions I had about them.

All that being said, I don't subscribe to the far Left either. For instance, while not a gun owner or NRA member, I disagree that gun control will fix gun violence. Rather, I think that reducing violence in media, fixing the IDEA so that we don't mainstream troubled students, and various other types of responsibility are the root causes of gun violence, and need to be fixed. Liberals I know say that GUNS are the root cause. Obviously they are clueless when it comes to that...

Also, every Dem in the White House has gone out of their way to use the military, while at the same time doing whatever they can to hurt us. An actual cut in Active Duty pay along with a 60% increase in co-pays at the pharmacy!!!??? That's what Obama and his Puzzle Palace brought us this year.

I've ranted enough, you get the point. Both parties are completely broken and corrupt. We need a strong third, centrist party and no Libertarian is not that party.

We also need to vote EVERY incumbent out of office next year.

Response by LTC Neal O'Brien made Mar 30 at 2015 2:28 AM

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I think it is. To be "conservative" or even worse, someone affiliated with Tea Party seems far worse than being an ISIS member. If you're libertarian everyone thinks your cute - conservative or Tea Party, you're a radical.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 6:11 AM

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I am a libertarian. I think that both parties have become a farce of what they once were.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 6:25 AM

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<------ That guy is an American.

Response by SSgt Randy Saulsberry made Mar 30 at 2015 7:11 AM

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I believe the conservatives are viewed how they are because of the rise of the tea party. They are a small group within the Republican party but get a lot of media attention thanks to Fox News and their extreme radical right ideas. Their views are extreme right, so much so that policies that were republican ideas in the past (climate change and universal healthcare) became democratic ideas and are viewed as liberal destruction of the country. Until the majority of the Republicans get the tea party to step back I don't see the opinion of conservatives changing. I first got into politics back in 2003 and considered myself a Republican. With the rise of the tea party I switched to Democrat. But after realizing they are both playing the same game I became an independent.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 30 at 2015 7:34 AM

2015-03-30T07:34:51-04:00

Conservatism like Liberalism is a "package" of ideas. It's not just one belief.

Depending on which belief you focus in on, the two words become as dirty or as clean as you want them to be.

I don't think any reasonable person can say they ascribe 100% to either package and 0% to the other package, especially as there is "some" overlap.

As an example, depending on topic, I will come off as a bleeding liberal, or a stout conservative, even though I call myself neither.

Unfortunately, when we label ourselves, we take on all the "baggage" of that label. Not just the good features, but the bad features as well. We become lumped in with others who call themselves the same, even if they don't believe like we do.

Ignoring Conservative & Liberal for a moment, and using Rep & Dem instead, there is a huge difference between a Red State democrat and a Blue State one, just as there are huge differences between mainstream republicans and Tea Party republicans. Large groupings just don't work for people, as we are too different to label effectively.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 8:03 AM

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I got to say, first off, awesome even spread on that poll, we got lots of representation here from different idea groups. Secondly, as a liberal. . . who the heck cares what is and is not a dirty word? I mean if the shoe fits and all that. If you're a conservitave, wear that s***, if your a liberal shout it out man! These labels aren't insults, they're descriptions of broad sets of ideologies and they are rallying bannars for the people that hold some or all of those ideologies dear. What's wrong with that?

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Mar 30 at 2015 9:24 AM

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I am a conservative for many different reasons. I support the constitution, think that America is still the greatest country on earth, believe that anyone can rise above their circumstances in life, value hard work and believe that everyone is accountable for their actions; not society, upbringing or socioeconomic background. I grew up poor and took advantage of the opportunities given to me by the military. I accept responsibility for my actions. I contribute to charity and help people I know are in need. I do not believe that the government is responsible for charity, charity is the bailiwick of the churches and individuals. Any review of charitable organizations, including government charity, shows non-government agencies do it better and cheaper. I think that the federal government has overstepped the bounds set forth in the constitution specifically the statement that those powers not specifically granted to the federal government belong to the states and the PEOPLE. I believe that everyone should pay their fair share of taxes and you should not get a refund for more than you paid in. I think that regardless of what the supreme court said there is no separation of church and state as defined today but, that the government is to stay out of the churches business likewise the government should not become a theocracy. The writings of the founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, are clear on this. Lastly, I know that there are those who call themselves liberals who share many of these viewpoints and those who call themselves conservatives who will disagree. I served to give that right to disagree to all and would gladly lay down my life to ensure that right continues for this and every generation to come.

Response by SPC Joshua H. made Mar 30 at 2015 10:09 AM

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I am a libertarian. I feel that both major parties are about control and are just 2 sides to the same coin. The 2 party system is very broken and we really need a strong 3rd (and 4th and 5th ect) party to even out the playing field. I truly believe in freedom, and both the liberal and conservatives love oppression through their views. I might not agree with people on some things, but as long as they are not harming anyone, I will still defend to the death their right to be free.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Mar 30 at 2015 10:48 AM

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I tend to lean more libertarian but I'm not crazy about labels and I tend to vote for the person who I believe best represents the ideas of our founding fathers.

Response by SGT William Howell made Mar 30 at 2015 12:05 PM

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It is very unfortunate that in order to vote in this country you do not have to pass a civics test to at least have a basic understanding of what you are voting for.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Mar 30 at 2015 2:45 PM

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Conservative to me means caring about the US Constitution and the US. Liberal to me means tearing down the institutions that have helped make our country great without regard to the impacts on the greater society, especially our children or those that have the greatest need.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 3:18 PM

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It depends on the definition of "is." Inside the beltway or outside the beltway, you may get 2 different definitions if they are being honest and not pandering. IMHO, it is not a dirty word. But I prefer to define my beliefs by my oath. I'm a Constitutionalist, because I swore an oath to defend it, not a person or party. I'm labeled conservative, but party politics has perverted it's true intention.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 6:39 PM

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<---- conservative and https://youtu.be/0yC4gm_vN3s

Big Cheese - Airplane.flv

. . . Big Cheese, Head Honcho . . .

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 2 at 2015 6:43 PM

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Ma'am,

What ever is dirty changes with the wind and with the times. It's based on only two things: what the leader/head gossiper tells his/her blind sheep, and what simpletons want to say they believe so they don't end up in the dog house. If a particular unit, church, platoon, corporation, or what have you is ruled by fiat in a cult like way, your rank and file members will gladly love being conservative when the demigod says so. And when liberalism is what the leader says is good, then so be it.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Apr 2 at 2015 7:01 PM

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Claiming either side is going to get you beaten down verbally and accused of all kinds of silly stuff. You just have to read down in the comments here to see exactly what I'm talking about. I think we've forgotten that when you point a finger, there are three more pointed back at you.

Divided we fall.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 3 at 2015 9:35 AM

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Although I am a registered Republican, I more identify nowadays as a Libertarian based on my views and beliefs. Unfortunately the mainstream media as well as many "Progressives" deem those with a Conservative "lean" to be either heartless, evil, money hungry people that do not care about the "common man" because Conservatives tend to vote against what "Progressives" believe in. While there are those on the extreme far-right that have views and beliefs that I can not get behind, wanting a smaller, less intrusive federal government is right in my wheelhouse. There are far too many issues that should be handled at the local or state level that the federal government has gotten involved with that boggles the mind and contributes to the sense of entitlement that a few too many in our society subscribe to now. Nothing wrong with being a Conservative, just as there is nothing wrong with being a liberal; either way as long as we the people can have a sensible dialogue on the course that our nation heads along we should not be so petty in how we view others beliefs or views.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Apr 3 at 2015 10:04 AM

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Proud Conservative and constitutionalist!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 10:22 AM

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Personally I think most folks just find it easier to be "opposed" to an ideology or philosophy than it is to "support" their own views. It's easier to throw dirt and fling poo than it is to provide a rational support for your own outlook. It's easier to get votes against something than it is to get votes for something.

As a species we always take the easy way out.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Apr 3 at 2015 11:23 AM

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Since I didn't see "Centrist" or "Middle of the Roader" anywhere and I'm definitely not a conservative, I opted for "Liberal" in the poll. I think if you "Centrist" or "Middle of the Roader" was an option on this poll - you'd find a lot of people self identifying with that label.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 4:27 AM

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Having decided to actually become an American by my own free will, and love this great country is people and Constitution, ink kidding the fact that I have lived in quite a few and been in over 60 countries my lifetime I can say The premises of the birth of this nation has no parallel to any other nation in the world. The principles by themselves, are like no other, in my humble opinion. Yet today what we face are incredibly ignorant masses, so Many bent on censoring words, thought, disregard of Bill of rights, not knowing history or what is important and a media telling unchecked facts as truths and a society hungry for useless knowledge, and personalities that we get no useful information from. So, going back to the topic, I see no problem with the word conservatism. A lot of people, mostly of the liberal or progressive mindset, see it as bad, and equate it to nazis, forgetting that nazis were socialist or from lefty persuasion. The collective good, that never gave us anything positive. 80 years, and communism still failed and some still think was great. Hope it all made sense.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 2:42 PM

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I am an American.

Not a liberal...

Not a conservative...

I am not defined by a label used to be divisive and exclusive.

Response by SPC Patrick Gearardo made Apr 9 at 2015 4:08 AM

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There should be an 'All of the Above' choice.

I'm liberal in some ways and conservative in others. I don't think any one person can say that they are ALL conservative or ALL liberal.

I truly am a middle of the road Independent.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 9 at 2015 10:21 AM

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I agree with CSM Private RallyPoint Member, I am an AMERICAN above everything else. I love our constitution. I think that Conservative and Liberal are fine to describe one's way of thinking as long as that is not translated to vote republican or vote democrat. If you are conservative fine. If you are Liberal fine. I really think that we need to just get back to letting the Constitution be our guide instead of the toilet paper used by politicians. Sorry, started to rant.
The point I was trying to make is that the majority of people are not fully conservative or fully liberal. Myself, I have issues that would have conservatives calling me a left wing pinko commie bastard, and issues that would have liberals calling me a right wing baby killing nut job. The reality is I am just a person who wants to live his life under the constitution of the United States without having people trying to tell me that it can't include this or it can't include that.

Response by SrA William Giraldi made Apr 10 at 2015 2:08 AM

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I'm a die-hard conservative. I attended the CPAC and had the pleasure of meeting up and getting a photo with Senator Ted Cruz this year. Small government is the way to go. The all-intrusive government we have is in EVERY aspect of our lives. You know, as military, we are supposed to keep our politics out of our duty, but it's utterly difficult to do when they control everything we do. I'm not ashamed of mentioning that I walked out of a DADT sensitivity meeting because I had it up to my Italian eyebrows with political correctness. As George Carlin once said, "political correctness is a term used by morons." How true he was. I say whatever is on my mind with no regrets.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 10 at 2015 6:51 AM

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I didn't vote because, frankly, I couldn't figure out the difference between the 3rd and 4th choices.

By the way, the guy in the picture to the left of this post ... he is a very proud AMERICAN.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 8:54 AM

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In a constitutional libertarian (small L) with conservative leanings.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Apr 10 at 2015 3:44 PM

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The movement that is often termed 'liberal' has been trying for around 50 years to push conservative values into the trash. They want to fundamentally change this country and everything it stands for. They have had many minor successes over the time they have been at this and even though they have had slow progress, it is progress (for them) but it is to the determent of all that conservatives hold dear. We must stop compromising and start pushing back. Hard.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 12:19 PM

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I would define myself as a conservative Libertarian if I had to label it. I want people to adhere to the Constitution & to the laws that have already been written (it's amazing how many laws being written today are just redundant over laws that are already on the books, just not enforced).

Response by SSgt Todd Ricker made Apr 27 at 2015 12:28 PM

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All depends on what media your tied into. I am finding the "news media" are no longer reporting news worthy events with open mind or non-judgmental way anymore. Most are taught from liberal schools, and lean to the left in every aspect, therefor bringing their left leaning "opinions" into their news stories instead of reporting just the facts. I personally consider myself a Conservative, in CA of all places. I am proud of my American heritage and everything America has done in the last couple hundred years- apart from slavery. I tend to watch Fox News, not because its a right leaning news organization, but because they tend to leave out the drama on world events and report the facts without speculation. FYI- Sean Hannity, O'Reilly, and Rush are not reporters, they are talk show hosts.

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 27 at 2015 12:34 PM

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Any one who supports an 18 trillion dollar debt is not a conservative! The big mistake some liberals make is that all conservatives are religious zealots and base all beliefs around that premise. I am a keep your hands off my pay check and guns conservative.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 21 at 2015 3:07 PM

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yes...

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Jul 26 at 2015 2:40 AM

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I detest labels. How can anybody's life philosophy be summed up in one word? I'm fiscally conservative, but like progress. I believe people can behave in any way they choose that doesn't impinge on the rights of another, pretty liberal. I'm not religious but appreciate and respect all faiths. So, what am I? Mainly I'm satisfied.