Conservative, what does that word actually mean? It has been bastardized and twisted into a vicious parody of its true meaning by a cadre of self-serving, greedy assholes and bigots.
Let's look at the dictionary definition:
From Miriam-Webster http://www.merriam-webster.com/...
a : tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional
b : marked by moderation or caution (a conservative estimate)
c : marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners
Ah, moderation or caution? So, risk averse, huh?
So, what would be the true conservative position on say, carbon emissions?
The science is in. The vast majority of experts agree that climate change is real and man-made. Would it be conservative to discount the findings of the smartest people in the world, foremost experts in their field? Hardly.
Can we risk the survival of our species, civilization and country? Even if one is a skeptic, you have to look at the odds. What are the odds the experts are correct, in your uninformed opinion? One in a hundred? One in a thousand? Let's go with the latter (totally ridiculous) number. Would any sane person put their child on an airplane if the odds of it crashing were one in a thousand? I would not. Neither would anyone who is following the conservative course of action.
So we must address carbon emissions.
Gee, that sounds right to me. We should all be conservatives when it comes to the survival of the human race.
Okay then, let us figure out, what is the conservative position on foreign policy and war?
Do no harm. Do not endanger the safety of the United States of America or its citizens. Do not squander national treasure or American lives needlessly. Use soft power (morality, for example) whenever possible.
Hmmm... I agree with that, too. Damn.
Well, how about the national deficit? What's a conservative to do about that'
I actually have a degree in business administration, so I know this one!
Try to reduce the deficit by better matching revenues and expenses, by whatever means are best. Do it in such a way not to harm the full faith and credit of the government, and not to harm the reputation or support of the government among its citizens. Any taxes should be perceived as fair and just, in as much as possible, so do not tax special interests less than the vast majority of the citizenry. In other words....
RAISE TAXES ON THE WEALTHY!!!
Sounds about right to me (no pun intended).
How about immigration? How should a true conservative feel about that?
Well, we are a nation of immigrants. Immigrants built this country and are necessary to its continued growth and success. Immigrants are also vital to our economy.
Gosh, who knew? I think maybe we should try to get some more, just to be safe. That would be the prudent (and conservative) thing to do.
I could go on and on, doing this for a vast range of issues. But you get the idea.
Yes, it appears that batshit crazies in the Republican party were right about one thing:
The Republican Party just hasn't been conservative enough. If they would only look the word up in the fucking dictionary, we could come together and start to solve some of our most persistent problems.
Of course, I am still a liberal. I am just trying to meet in the middle and find common ground. I hope this helps.