All those that have known me for a long time, know that I know nothing of politics and where I stand. However, those that have known me over the past year, know that I've been trying to figure out what I believe. I still find it hard to know where I stand on all the issues just because there is a side to every issue and it is difficult to know both sides and the history behind it, especially when there are no politicians you can trust. It can be very difficult to discover the facts without bias and a ton of research (which requires alot of time and is something I don't have!). However, there are 2 things I do know. 1) I want to switch my voter registration to Independent because I don't believe in being loyal to a party, but I believe in finding those candidates that share my values. 2) I'm a conservative.
Today I found an article in CNN that sums up what it is to be a conservative and I love how it is defined...
A conservative believes that our inalienable rights do not include housing, healthcare or Hummers.
A conservative believes that our inalienable rights DO include the pursuit of happiness. That means it is guaranteed to no one.
A conservative believes that those who pursue happiness and find it have a right to not be penalized for that success.
A conservative believes that there are no protections against the hardship and heartache of failure. We believe that the right to fail is just as important as the chance to succeed and that those who do fail learn essential lessons that will help them the next time around.
A conservative believes in personal responsibility and accepts the consequences for his or her words and actions.
A conservative believes that real compassion can't be found in any government program.
A conservative believes that each of us has a duty to take care of our neighbors. It was private individuals, companies and congregations that sent water, blankets and supplies to New Orleans far before the government ever set foot there.
A conservative believes that family is the cornerstone of our society and that people have a right to manage their family any way they see fit, so long as it's not criminal. We are far more attuned to our family's needs than some faceless, soulless government program.
A conservative believes that people have a right to worship the God of their understanding. We also believe that people do not have the right to jam their version of God (or no God) down anybody else's throat.
A conservative believes that people go to the movies to be entertained and to church to be preached to, not the other way around.
A conservative believes that debt creates unhealthy relationships. Everyone, from the government on down, should live within their means and strive for financial independence.
A conservative believes that a child's education is the responsibility of the parents, not the government.
A conservative believes that every human being has a right to life, from conception to death.
A conservative believes in the smallest government you can get without anarchy. We know our history: The larger a government gets, the harder it will fall.
Go to this link to read the entire article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/25/beck.conservatives/index.html
