" Who Am I ?"

Recently I have seen many statements talking about conservatives and their beliefs. We have been described as NAZIS, bigots, war mongers, racists, hard hearted, homophobic, intolerant,and so many other derogatory terms I don't believe I could list them all. I will admit every political philosophy has its' share of "fringe nuts", yet this blanket character assassination of everyone who holds conservative beliefs is ludicrous. I have real conflicts with liberal philosophy, yet I am sure most on the left don't have pictures of Mao, Marx, or any of the bomb throwers of the past hanging on their living room walls.

I would like some time to talk about basic conservatism. We believe in small central government, much like the founders of this country, I believe Thomas Paine said," the government that governs the least governs the best..", individual freedom is much better served with the least government interference. Taxes; where do I start, we believe in a tax system that supports only constitutional use, and the reduction of unnecessary tax for contrived purpose. Economics; we believe in the free market with limited restraint except in the case of spurious practices. Military; we want a strong military, well trained and well funded. Who can argue with this? Secure borders; as our constitution decrees our borders should be secure; not porous. Immigration should be regulated and done through the accepted legal means only. This has worked for over 200 years and there is no reason to change it now. Firearms; the 2nd. amendment is perfectly clear on this issue. As a firearms owner I am firm in this belief. If we get rid of "black market" weapons we will be much better served on firearms issues. Judicially we believe in strict fundamental interpretation of the constitution as intended by its' framers; not a tool for activist judges. Religion is a personal right; do what you like as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of others. We believe in the right to life for the unborn; period! Foreign policy should be supported by a strong military willing to aid our allies and keep our nation secure from any who would attempt to infiltrate and destroy.

The above stated principles are held by most conservatives as their basic precepts. We don't want an octopus government reaching into every aspect of our lives; and we don't want our constitution used for something other than the framers intentions. Perhaps now those who hate conservatives so much will better understand us. It is my hope this may reduce the name calling and increase intelligent debate. Let us speak from knowledge, not conjecture and prejudice. Isn't this what our founding fathers intended?