Why I am a conservative. Why are you a conservative? If not a conservative, why?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 18:16:15 -0400

I am a conservative because I believe this is the best system in the world. This is not an insult to other countries or other beliefs but the belief in our America Collectively.

I believe in the 2nd Amendment, though I have no gun. I believe abortions are bad but if a woman is assaulted it is her choice. I believe in God but I do not place science under religion in education.

I believe in food stamps, unemployment insurance and second chances for all. I believe a suffering or abused or hungry child, adult or senior is a tragedy. There is no need to cause anyone to suffer or deny help.

Stepping on the flag is wrong. Period. The Constitution is the law of the land. Evolution needs to be Science in school and religion should be a thing of faith. I believe if you think America sucks, just go south of the border.

I speak German, Tagalog and English but English should be the official language and if you want to live here, learn it.

Our flag officers are being abused and I resent that. I believe in a strong officer and enlisted corp. Leave the missiliers alone. Do NOT politicize weather or climate for gain.

I think stem cell research is a good thing but measures to prevent gene engineering that creates potential ethical issues. This is going to be big in the twenty-five years.

UFOs are explainable in terrestrial and not extra-terrestrial terms. I believe one of the biggest cancers is political correct and I am fearful this country is becoming so militant that China, Russia and others are feeling itchy to get it on.

Atmospheric Sciences, Neurosciences and Quantum Mechanics are my favorite things to read about and study, especially as it pertains to weather.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 27 at 2015 6:35 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 27 May 2015 18:35:35 -0400

You can say that I practice the US Constitution as a liberal.

I believe in freedom of speech, but some things should just not be said. Religion is something that is a personal faith.

I believe in 2nd Amendment, but would prefer a society where we don't need weapons. You don't need a semi-auto rifle at Walmart, nor does one need to open carry.

I believe in a strong domestic policy where everyone deserves a chance. Mistakes can happen, but shouldn't ruin your life. I believe we should take care of our own before aiding overseas.

I do not place any American higher than anyone else, whether you served, CEO of Google Inc, flip burgers at a fast food chain, or simply work somewhere in an office. We all play our roles.

I believe in some government regulation when it comes to businesses, who knows what some will do.

I believe in creating a greener society, I mean c'mon? We breath this air.

and finally, I believe the president means well but is HORRIBLE at the implementation. Can't please everyone I guess...

There are libtards who want to sh*t all over America just because, and there liberals who try to look at everything objectively only to make it better for everyone. I'm the latter.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made May 27 at 2015 7:18 PM

SrA Matthew Knight — Wed, 27 May 2015 19:18:09 -0400

I agree with many of your views. I was raised in a Republican family and have been primarily conservative my whole life. However I have personally shifted gears towards a Constitutional view point because I believe in what this country was founded on. Our Constitution and the Bill of Rights are by far two of the most important documents written. I swore an oath when I joined the military that I would protect and defend said documents as those document are the reason we are able to do and be what and who we are as a country. The problem I have with Republicans and Democrats alike is that as I get older and pay closer attention to politics I see that both sides like to use and abuse those documents for their own agendas which is completely expected but totally wrong. They are written the way they are for a reason. They get amended when necessary but otherwise we need to focus on them and not ignore their words.

I guess if the Supreme Court was a party that would be where I would lie on the political spectrum. Or somewhere in the Moderate area.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 27 at 2015 7:58 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 27 May 2015 19:58:18 -0400

I fall "most" in line with the libertarian philosophy, but would generally be considered "other." I have been accused of being a flaming liberal by conservatives, and the opposite by liberals.

All of the philosophies have absolutely great aspects, and all of them have insanely stupid ones (my own included).

No "platter of goods" is perfect. Each of has olives (I hate olives) on them. Each of them has cheese (I love cheese). SSgt Private RallyPoint Member points out some great Olives & Cheese in the conservative philosophy.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 27 at 2015 9:20 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 27 May 2015 21:20:26 -0400

I am primarily a social conservative and secondarily a fiscal conservative. I grew up as a social liberal who believed that the state had the right to decide who should be aborted, euthanized, committed to mental institution, etc. In those day I did not care who I maimed or killed. I had adopted Darwinism as my mantra - kill or be killed, strong dominate over weaker species, etc. I didn't necessarily subscribe to his view that the lighter races were inherently superior to the darker races however.
As I grew older and learned how the Nazis, Communists and other totalitarian rulers subscribed to government knows best, I began to investigate world views with much more seriousness. After wearing myself out on many rabbit trails, I recognized my need for a savior and committed the remainder of my life as a Christian.
I learned that God is very conservative in terms of adhering to what is eternally true which is the social side of the gospel - do unto others as you would have them do unto you not as how they have treated or mistreated you. Fiscally, God is very liberal. When I have the resources I do my best to support what I believe in. I do not believe the government has my best interests and certainly understand that government is incredibly inefficient in distributing resources. Therefore I am a firm believer in private enterprise.

Response by SGT Darryl Allen made May 27 at 2015 9:35 PM

SGT Darryl Allen — Wed, 27 May 2015 21:35:34 -0400

I don't think anyone should identify with any singular group of thought. By labeling oneself, you're limiting your field of view and understanding to only those things that fall under that particular ideology.

Make every decision yourself, don't allow a particular group to define your beliefs, and don't feel the need to be pigeonholed into a particular way of thinking to save face with others.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 9:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 21:34:53 -0400

Uh oh

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:55 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 22:55:01 -0400

I'm a Conservative as well when it comes to politics

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made May 27 at 2015 11:28 PM

SGT Kevin Brown — Wed, 27 May 2015 23:28:41 -0400

I am conservative (constitutional conservative is you want to get technical). I believe in personal, physical, financial and social responsibility, inalienable rights, our Constitution and our great Republic, freedom above all and the value of human life.

Though I am religious, I do not constitute that as a requirement or a segment of my conservationism, because I was just as conservative and patriotic before my conversion, when I was an Atheist. I do however believe that my disdain for political correctness (the spear head in the downfall of our nation) is part of my conservatism and think it is a direct violation of our freedom of speech. With that said, I hold morals and ethics high and believe in respecting others (i.e. just because I have the right to say it doesn't mean I have too, at the same time, because I choose to be respectful, doesn't mean I have to church it up). With a strong devotion to morals and ethics, I hold humility as equal and believe that I am no better then anyone else and whether I disagree with their sins, lifestyle or whatever the hell you want to call it, my sins and trespasses make us truly equal.

The last few major beliefs that I hold that I think add to my identification with conservatism is the belief in limited government, the belief that though we are all created equal, what happens after that is on us (now before anyone gets butt hurt, I don't mean that we control everything that happens to us, but we do control how we live after something has affected us), that if you truly want something you need to go out and earn it and that nothing worth doing comes easy.

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 28 at 2015 6:41 AM

PO3 David Fries — Thu, 28 May 2015 06:41:33 -0400

I had to say other. I have traveled the entire spectrum as far as my views went. My family was never very political, so I picked up my first views via state and school (CT, so fairly liberal). I went through my time in service with little to no thought to politics. We followed the Commander In Chief and the officers appointed above us, regardless of their views. After I got out, I leaned pretty far into the Conservative viewpoint. Lately, I have viewed myself more as a Libertarian, due to the fact that I would rather have a smaller, less powerful, federal government.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 10:22 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 10:22:19 -0400

I think it would be easier to answer this question by replying to your answers with a yes or no and if not, why kinda situation. O.o

1. "I am a conservative because I believe this is the best system in the world. This is not an insult to other countries or other beliefs but the belief in our America Collectively."

A. I like to look at myself as a "Republican." The pledge gives us the answer: "And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands." Doesn't say Democratic... The Dems. were the ones that wanted slavery... The Dems were the ones that fought to keep slaves... The Dems are the ones that formed the KKK... There are a lot of reasons I wouldn't be a Dem. if not only because of the history, but because of the way they "Fix" America with their big governments.

2. "I believe in the 2nd Amendment, though I have no gun. I believe abortions are bad but if a woman is assaulted it is her choice. I believe in God but I do not place science under religion in education."

A. I too believe in the 2nd and have no weapon. I believe the woman has a right to choose if 3 tragedies happened to her:
1. Incest
2. Rape
3. Both mother and baby will die or medical conditions. (that does not include a baby having Down Syndrome, cleft lip or something like that)
I believe that Science and God CAN coexist. I will tell my daughter that we DID NOT come from monkeys though. To me, evolution can just kiss my rear end.

3. "I believe in food stamps, unemployment insurance and second chances for all. I believe a suffering or abused or hungry child, adult or senior is a tragedy. There is no need to cause anyone to suffer or deny help."

A. I too believe in food stamps, only if:
1. the parent is looking for work
2. there is a drug test
3. the parent is in college
4. a TERRIBLE medical condition.

4. "Stepping on the flag is wrong. Period. The Constitution is the law of the land. Evolution needs to be Science in school and religion should be a thing of faith. I believe if you think America sucks, just go south of the border."

A. If I see someone stepping on my Flag, I will totally go ape-shit and will beat the shit out of 'em. TOO harsh?? Oh the F* well. About evolution, it can be taught as a theory and nothing more. IF they can teach evolution, they can teach about Jesus. And, yes, if you do not like OUR Country and what we stand for, then get the F* out. PERIOD!!

5. "I speak German, Tagalog and English but English should be the official language and if you want to live here, learn it."

A. AGREED. My Grandmother only spoke Spanish but she taught her kids that if they were in America, they learned and spoke English. Every one of them do and for that, they hardly know how to speak any Spanish, myself included. But I am VERY FLUENT in SA!

6. "Our flag officers are being abused and I resent that. I believe in a strong officer and enlisted corp. Leave the missiliers alone. Do NOT politicize weather or climate for gain.

A. I think I know what you are getting at... you might need to explain this just a tad bit more to me. And if it is what I think it is, then you are absolutely right.

7. "I think stem cell research is a good thing but measures to prevent gene engineering that creates potential ethical issues. This is going to be big in the twenty-five years."

A. Again, If the abortion was only done by those means, or if a lady miscarried and said yes, use my kiddo for science, or if both mother and baby didn't survive thru something... then yes, of course. If it can cure horrible diseases, I really don't see the problem. Just don't PROMOTE it...

8. "UFOs are explainable in terrestrial and not extra-terrestrial terms. I believe one of the biggest cancers is political correct and I am fearful this country is becoming so militant that China, Russia and others are feeling itchy to get it on."

A. I believe that there are some extra-terrestrial people in the White House as we speak. LOL. But for real, this PC is a nice term. IT's taking your right to FREE SPEECH away from you. So NO PC for ME. If you don't like what I have to say, don't read it and Move out on your way. Look I did a rhyme and didn't even mean to.

9. "Atmospheric Sciences, Neurosciences and Quantum Mechanics are my favorite things to read about and study, especially as it pertains to weather."

A. So do you believe the things they say about the "Chem-trails?" That in fact is a interesting subject. Someone told me, "If America could control the weather, they could control the World." Kinda fanatic, but EH.

AND that's why I am a Conservative. Not everyone can be as perfect as you and I. Bahahahahahahahaha

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 11:11 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 11:11:46 -0400

I tend to lean Libertarian. I like think that people can govern themselves and there should only be enough government around to protect the people and their rights as they collectively define them. I know, I know, the fact that I used to the term "collective" goes against Libertarian foundations. Calm yourselves.

Basically, only as much as is necessary. Although, since we don't have a strong Libertarian Party in the U.S., I tend to vote with a more centrist candidate. Normally Moderate-Republicans seem to fit this requirement.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 28 at 2015 11:34 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 28 May 2015 11:34:28 -0400

I don't find anything in what you say that I, as a liberal Democrat, do not agree with.
However most Conservatives I know do not believe as you say you do.
What I hear from them is..
- Abortions are evil and women are not to be trusted with their decision.
- Science is bunk and the Earth is 6,000 years old and man rode dinosaurs.
- Food stamps are evil.
- Unemployment insurance is being on the dole.
- If you are suffering it is because of life choices.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 12:54 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 12:54:44 -0400

I am a Libertarian (aka Classical Liberal), because I think the maximization of individual liberty is the only (or at least most) rational purpose of gov't. My basis for this is:
FYI: LONG POST. You could skip to the bottom, but then you'd miss the great explanation!

-Each individual ultimately has only one choice in life: to live or not to live. All other choices stem from that one, and given that one cannot do something other than live or not live, I do not see this choice as a false dichotomy. One's choice to live can be based on any of a number or reasons, and I think these reasons can be deemed one's "purpose" or "meaning" for living. The same goes for one's choice not to live, though the choice not to live can also stem from the lack of finding any purpose or meaning in living.

-If an individual chooses to live, they must rely on reason to sustain their life. Most animals are able to rely on instinct, but reason has replaced this for humans as far as I know.

-Reason being individuals' key to survival, an attempt by a person to compromise the ability of another individual(s) to reason, is removing that individual's ability to realize their choice to live. Thus, the aggressor is denying them free will, and/or denying them whatever purpose they have found for living. If the choice to live or not - and the purpose we each find which drives that choice - is all that we each have; then there can be no greater immorality or irrationality than to deny an individual that choice. The only rational exception is if one is doing so defensively.

-Force and fraud are the mechanisms by which one compromises another's ability to reason. Force is meaningless without credible threat of death or pain/suffering, and under such threat a normal person is not capable of reasoning either due to fear, survival instinct, or the like. Fraud denies an individual accurate information, thereby compromising their reasoning process.

-Given all this, I think every individual has only one right: the right to not be aggressed against via an initiation of force or fraud. I think all other rights (i.e. freedom of speech, thought, association, religion, property, self-defense, etc) are simply applications of this one right to various real-world actions and things. Given that everyone has this right, the only moral/rational actions of a gov't can be to protect this right; as any gov't activities beyond this will involve violating said right for the individuals subjected to those activities.

Many conservatives will agree with my conclusion about the proper role of gov't, yet I do not agree with Conservatism. This is because Conservatism in itself does not advocate limited gov't, but rather adherence to whatever is traditional (socially, fiscally, legally, etc). In America, classical liberal (aka libertarian) thought and gov't principles just so happen to be major contributors to our governing tradition and culture. In other countries/cultures, Conservatism embraces very different principles and thought, often those extremely hostile to individual liberty, as different countries/cultures have different traditions/history/etc. For example, in a country with a sufficiently long history of communism, communism would be the conservative position...something which wouldn't make any sense to an American conservative.

For similar reasons, I reject Progressivism (referred to as Liberalism in the US), since it is the embrace of "progress" for the sake of progress, just as Conservatism is the embrace of tradition for the sake of tradition. Why in the US we label progressives as liberals, I have no idea. Especially as American Progressivism currently embraces Socialism, which is almost the polar opposite of Classical Liberalism...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 28 at 2015 9:15 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 28 May 2015 21:15:42 -0400

I am a small "l" libertarian. The Libertarian party just seems to go off the rails too often.

I'm a liberal in that I love liberty, individual liberty.

I am a conservative in that I do all in my power to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution against all enemies, and advocate that it be interpreted using the plain language in which it was written (without perverting it through legal chicanery).

I am not a socialist (leftist). (That's a "period" at the end of that sentence)

So, I checked "Other". Hope y'all understand...

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 28 at 2015 9:31 PM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 28 May 2015 21:31:30 -0400

I am a Libertarian.

Drew Carey once described Libertarians as Republicans who smoke pot. While I don't smoke, I agree with that.

There was also a man a few years ago who was running for an office in Canada under the Canadian Libertarian banner. His campaign slogan was "I believe that married gay couples should be allowed to protect their marijuana plants with guns." That pretty much sums up our belief in individual freedoms. We believe that if you want to "legalize" something that doesn't necessarily benefit everyone you should legalize something else that only certain groups want. Not everyone wants to legalize gay marriage, weed, and guns, but do those things really hurt you if they don't affect you?

I could go on, but I'm too lazy to type out an entire paper here, lol.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 29 at 2015 1:25 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Fri, 29 May 2015 13:25:21 -0400

I'm a liberal because I believe in the middle class and the poor and vets. The republican party has voted against every vet bill in the last two years, the BAH one was started by republicans. I think the 47% matter. The republicans give companies tax breaks to take their companies over seas, then take benefits away from those who lose their jobs. I believe in gay marriage and everyone has a right to be happy. Republicans want smaller government but they tell people who they can and can't marry. Have you seen Kansas lately? the republicans cut taxes, now they have no money for education, the states economy has shrunk and the poor can only take 25 out of their bank accounts a day. They completely trashed the state. The president isn't coming for your guns, but gun control is clearly needed. The president pulled us out of Iraq and working on Afghanistan. I'm not going to read other people's comments, I'll probably just get mad and my bad day will get worse.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 4:29 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 16:29:23 -0400

I'm a moderate/liberal, because that's what several internet quizzes seem to think I am. I differ, in what I consider significant ways, from every major political party in America.

Why is this the case? Probably because my brain doesn't work well enough to form a core philosophy or creed that dictates how I should feel about every issue.

Except, maybe, individual liberty should be maximized. But we should all provide not only for ourselves, but for each other to maximize freedom and quality of life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 4:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2015 16:56:30 -0400

Mostly liberal, although many liberals would disagree.

I don't believe taxes are "theft"; they are my subscription fee to American civilization, which is great and offers many benefits. Schools should be public and not be used for theological reinforcement; religion is your own business and should be kept private. Abortion should be kept safe and legal.

The economy should be capitalist but regulated, since people get rich & powerful and start thinking rules don't apply to them or that they are better than everyone else. Capitalism allows for a lot of opportunity, but there's a lot of potential for abuse if left to run free. Corporations are not people and need to pay their fair share into our society, since they get the benefit of a well-educated work force and publicly-supported transportation networks.

Owning guns is an individual right but there's nothing wrong with asking people to take class on safe, legal use and get a license. Welfare should go to those who are needy and job programs should be made available to those who are able-bodied but have fallen on hard times. Child care should be subsidized so that single-parent families can work with confidence knowing their children will be safe. Prisons should try to rehabilitate if possible, and not just be punishment warehouses.

We don't need to get involved in every overseas military adventure and certain drugs should be legalized. Military spending should emphasize troop needs and practical weapons and focus less on pie-in-the-sky superweapons that frequently disappoint or flat-out don't work.

We should have "green" energy as much as possible, since not only do we want to keep America beautiful, we also don't want to be at the mercy of overseas oil warlords and dictators. It is as much a national security issue as it is a environmental one.