A moderate conservative:
Does not believe in the ultimate perfectibility of humanity in this life, even assisted by a government program or handout. He or she knows that true human progress begins with self-improvement and curbing the immoderate desires we all carry.
Understands and reads history.
He or she is apprehensive about concentrations of power, whether at McFall Center, the Fortune 500, the Union, the state capital, the Congress or the White House. He or she understands that continually monitoring power and influence is the price we pay to ensure our way of life.
Is not reflexively opposed to what is new, merely because it is new. He or she knows that certain past events should be remembered lest they are repeated and new developments and ways of thinking may reveal truths previously hidden. But a conservative always vets new ideas and concepts with the same reliance on reason, objectivity and clear thinking that is applied to the old.
It not instinctively attracted by appeals using popular or emotionally-laden terms, such as “equality,” “diversity,” “fairness” or “inclusive.” He or she knows well the lessons from Paul Goebbels, the Nazi master of the Big Lie: anything repeated often and loud enough will soon be believed, regardless of the truth.
Knows the difference between debating ideas and debating the character of those who utter them. Not all ideas are created equal; reason, logic and analysis can separate the ideological wheat from the chaff. However, ad hominem arguments or character besmirching achieve little else but enriching attorneys in a libel suit. Ideas must be evaluated; the evaluation of a person’s character is properly left to a Higher Power.
Is compassionate.
He or she understands the truth of Ann Romney’s observation about everyone carrying a bag of rocks. We all have difficulties and problems, some of our own making and others that were thrust upon us. We don’t choose our parents, children, families or our genes; however, our future is largely our own creation.
Understands that government at any level does not create wealth or jobs. What it should do is provide and ensure an environment that will allow the private sector to create jobs. He or she also understands that the phrase “government funds” is misleading. It’s our money.
Knows that there are certain universal truths which can be known by all thinking adults. These do not change, regardless of the culture, environment or politics.
He or she understands our obligation to continually educate and follow our conscience. Consequently, a conservative views an ethical structure built on relativism as one built on mud.
Realizes that the ultimate goal of any enterprise, private or public, is to serve the common good. He or she also understands that the dignity of the individual must be respected, fostered and preserved.
Knows that the free market has lifted more people from poverty and has ensured a better life for a greater number of people than any other system yet devised. This is so because the free market, when correctly conducted, makes use of the two greatest natural gifts that humans possess: intelligence and free will.
Simultaneously, he or she also knows that humans are inclined toward greed and safeguards must be placed around a free market to ensure justice.
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