I absolutely detest the phrase "compassionate conservative." I think it's the biggest oxymoron I've ever heard.
I live in a very conservative part of Michigan and I have many conservative neighbors, relatives and acquaintances. Their brand of compassion usually goes like this: "Why should I care about how gays are treated!?" "It's their choice to be gay!" Or, "Why should I be concerned about all the people who are out of work and don't have health insurance?" "It's their own fault!" " They just didn't work hard enough!"
About a bit over a year and a half ago, I met a man. A wonderful man. The most compassionate man I have ever known.
This man would (and does) take people he hardly knows into his home if they need a place to stay. He would spend hours trying to fix someone's car if they couldn't afford to take it to a mechanic; and he's not a mechanic, just a very capable man. He would pay for someone to have surgery if they didn't have any health insurance (he offered that one to me, but thankfully I was able to get back on my old insurance and I didn't have to take him up on his offer). He has and continues to help others pay for college tuition so that they can have a better chance at a decent future.
And this man isn't a wealthy man. He's just an average (above average in my humble opinion) middle class person trying to make a difference in other people's lives while trying to live his.
Like I said, he's the most compassionate man I have ever known.
He's also an atheist.
This man gives until it not only hurts himself, but until it can and does hurt his relationships. Sadly, that's what happen to our relationship. I am hopeful however that we will be back together some day soon because I love him with all my heart.
This kind of compassion is a beautiful thing. The term "compassionate conservative" however is nothing but a ugly artificial brand name.
p.s. please be kind, it's been almost 2 years since I've written a diary. :-)