What Does Conservative Mean? (Colorado Springs, Frisco: fit in, mortgage, how much)

[LeftHook]

I have a serious problem with people who say: "I'm a conservative", or I'm a liberal". Personally, I'm conservative on some things and I'm liberal on others. In other words, I'm a moderate. Here in the Southwest( Tulsa), the word "liberal" is on par with the "f" word. I've lived in 6 different states, and I can honestly say that "liberal cities/states" had THE highest quality of living ( medical, education, public transportation, jobs, and other resources than the so-called "conservative" places.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I've found that the so-called "conservative" cities were full of religious hypocrites that made me ashamed to call myself a follower of Christ by their meaness and hateful attitudes!! What the devil does conservativism mean, as it's applied to Colorado Springs?

[gregabob]

To me, being a conservative means respecting others rights to their property, beliefs and person,as enshrined in the Constitution. Liberals want the state to control your property (rent control,seizure of your property for private gain), punish you if you have the wrong beliefs (Waco,Ruby Ridge, YFZ Ranch raid), and control what you put in your body (anti-drug, smoke, alcohol laws). Notice that I don't confuse Liberal with Democrat, or Conservative with Republican. I consider Colorado to be a 'free state' as compared to California, which I consider 'unfree'. If you want to live in a place where you can tell your neighbor how to live, move to 'Frisco or Berkeley. If you want more freedom, move to the midwest. My ability to control my neighbor ends at my fence line. That's what conservative means to me, in a nutshell.

[tfox]

Well, I think you'll find that "Conservative" means different things to different people.

Here in Colorado, statewide conservatives tend to be more of the more along the lines of "the government that governs least governs best" variety, tending see a limited role in government. They want uncle sam out of their pocketbooks AND their private lives. This branch could be seen as more "libertarian" than "conservative," but Ron Paul amply represents this in the mainstream GOP. In state, Doug Bruce (though he's just about the world's biggest jerk) is an extreme example of this -- basically he wants to cut state government down to the smallest level possible (though he has a social/religious conservative streak as well). The Independence Institute (Jon Caldera) is again an extreme example: basically he opposes pretty much all spending at any level of government (he HATES public transit but also opposes spending on new freeways), but unlike Bruce Caldara doesn't care about the social or religious issues. Personally, I'm sympathetic to the point of view, but find Ron Paul, Jon Caldera, and Doug Bruce all a bit too extreme and ideological for my tastes.

The Springs, of course, has Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family. Dobson certainly has his supporters both in Colorado Springs and outside, but their brand of conservativism is an uncomfortable fit in the state GOP. Clearly, Colorado Springs is Dr. Dobson's heartland, though as many people (even Republicans) loathe Focus as those who love them.

[Bob from down south]

A conservative is a liberal that's been carjacked.

[janetjanetbobanet]

Originally Posted by LeftHook

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I've found that the so-called "conservative" cities were full of religious hypocrites that made me ashamed to call myself a follower of Christ by their meaness and hateful attitudes!! What the devil does conservativism mean, as it's applied to Colorado Springs?

It was a bunch of those types back in Kansas that made me start leaning away from "conservative" and toward "liberal." But I think here it tends to apply more to taxation and how much the government intervenes in your life.
Trouble is, you have to have some taxation and intervention in your life if you want to have law enforcement and fire protection, etc., and I find Colorado Springs does not spend nearly as much on these things as they did in Kansas, and sometimes I don't feel as safe as a result.

[LeftHook]

That's exactly my point Janet. When it comes to military strength, crime,and so-called "moral values", I'm a conservative. When it comes to taxation I guess I'm a "liberal"....By that I mean, I believe in taxes because taxes are revenue!. Without taxation we wouldn't be able to enjoy or at least have services (snow removal, police, road works, military,etc). It's been my experience that the poorest, most sorriest states in the union are anti-tax! Well, you can't have yer cake and eat it!! If you're always whining and belly-aching about taxes, don't get angry when basic services(education,etc) are poor.

[Bob from down south]

Speaking for all conservatives everywhere (I'll send y'all my bill later), taxation for the purposes of providing a public service is, generally speaking, an accepted principle of government.

OTOH, taxation for the purposes of redistributing the wealth earned by those who actually work and invest to others who have not earned diddly is a call to arms.

[Postal]

Originally Posted by Bob from down south

Speaking for all conservatives everywhere (I'll send y'all my bill later), taxation for the purposes of providing a public service is, generally speaking, an accepted principle of government.

OTOH, taxation for the purposes of redistributing the wealth earned by those who actually work and invest to others who have not earned diddly is a call to arms.

I will agree as long as it is done reasonably. There are people out there who will mooch from any source they can find. There are plenty more who are responsible and self-sufficient and would feel ashamed to take public handouts. As long as we are not bolstering the social leech's lifestyle and providing for when that regular joe just needs a helping hand we are doing what is right. When we are still footing the bill for some like these so-called Katrina victims to use and abuse taxpayer money, we are doing it wrong.

[LeftHook]

Bob and Postal (I used to be a letter-carrier btw) I agree with you both. What I haven't heard from you guys is how our "reasonable tax" dollars are being used for abortions or this wonderful war that Mr President has gotten us into...Hmmm?

[Bob from down south]

Originally Posted by LeftHook

Bob and Postal (I used to be a letter-carrier btw) I agree with you both. What I haven't heard from you guys is how our "reasonable tax" dollars are being used for abortions or this wonderful war that Mr President has gotten us into...Hmmm?

With respect to the war, if you are against what the President has decided we need do, vote him and those who support him out of office. That's the whole idea of representative government...we elect the President as Commander-in-Chief and he gets to make calls in real time. Vote the wrong guy into office, and you'll get the wrong call when the sheet heets the fan.

If you don't want tax money used for abortions, tell your Senators and Congresscritter. It's soooooooo easy to e-mail a lawmaker these days with your opinion...yet so few people do it. Those who do actually can make a difference...most reps actually take notice of what people send them. If they're too far off the reservation, then work actively to get them replaced.

I'd guess that something like .01% of the population even gives enough of a damn to send a 2-line e-mail about the things they care about.

My Congressman and Senators have heard a lot from me lately on bank and mortgage bailouts.