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Re: What's a conservative?: An interesting question and one I?ve discussed at length with fellow political junkies. First it should be noted that there are actually two sub-classes of ?conservative? in American Politics. The first is the fiscal conservative and the second is the social (or religious) conservative. There are two other groups often associated with label conservative, the first is the strict constitutionalist and the second is the nationalist or patriot movement.

A fiscal conservative is one that believes in low taxes, reduced government spending and a balanced budget. They believe this should be done by ending most if not all federal spending on social programs, arguing that this money will be spent more carefully if its quantity and recipients are determined at the local level. Because of their low taxes and free trade stands fiscal conservatives are seen as being pro-business or ?for the rich?. Bush while often accused of being pro-business is definitely not a fiscal conservative.

A social or religious conservative is most concerned about moral issues. They are opposed to an assortment of ?immoral? acts including, pornography, homosexuality, abortion, drug use, public drunkenness, etcetera, etcetera. They are in favor of expansive police powers to fight ?crime? and public displays of Judeao-Christian religious devotion and faith. G. W. Bush is definitely a religious conservative.

The strict constitutionalist believes that the Constitution should be interpreted exactly as written. In many respects they resemble fiscal conservatives as only a liberal interpretation of the constitution can be used to authorize the vast network of social programs funded by the Federal government. They are however quite distasteful to social conservatives and nationalists as they also believe in very limited Federal police powers. Once again GW definitely is not a member of this group.

The nationalist or patriot believes in America first. They would end virtually all foreign aid programs, bring our overseas military forces home, use the army to ?secure? the borders and enact tough protectionist legislation to shelter American businesses from foreign competition. Because of their nearly xenophobic attitude toward non-Americans, members of this group are often shunned by other conservative groups. Bush is not only not a member of this group but is considered anti-American by many of its members.

In conclusion while Bush is a religious person who believes in using the force of the Federal government to create a more ?moral? America, he is definitely not a conservative in the broader sense of the word.

Bjorn

In the name of full disclosure I will state that I am a card carrying member of the Libertarian party, with leanings toward both the fiscal conservatives and the strict constitutionalists.; Posted by: bjornafreeman@... Posted on: 03/28/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use