Why Are Conservaties Afraid to Admit It?

I have noticed a disturbing trend in the United States. People who believe in conservative principles, like myself, are often afraid to admit it in public. I have many friends on Facebook who have recently sent me private messages complimenting me on my blog posts, but very few are willing to publicly make such comments. On the other hand, Liberals have no problem stating their opinions in public and often accompanying their comments with some form of Bush-bashing, name calling, or generalizing by saying something like "all Conservatives are paranoid wingnuts."

Why is this the case? Why has it become "fashionable" to be a Liberal, but heresy to be a Conservative? This is not something that has existed just since the election. Nor is it something that started during George W. Bush's administration. I think it was a trend which began in the 1960s during the Vietnam War and has grown into the mainstream over the past 10-20 years. Obviously, the hippies from the 1960s becoming the leaders of the mass media in the 21st century is a large part of it. As the media (news, television, movies, music, magazines, literature, theater, etc.) have a tremendous impact on public opinion, it is not difficult to see the connection here. Also, Liberals are generally thought of as being "artistic", "sophisticated", "compassionate", and "tolerant" -- all admirable qualities. Conservatives are thought of as being "religious zealots", "greedy", "rednecks", or even "racists." Are these fair stereotypes? Furthermore, are Liberals being "tolerant" when they hold such views? Do they even bother to understand where Conservatives are coming from, or would they rather simply label them as stupid or crazy?

Well, I'm here to say that we are neither. We are merely Americans, like you, who have a very different point of view about how to make this country a better place. I think we both want the same results. Our difference lies in how we best achieve this result. I believe that the founders of this country wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution with the intention of limiting the power of government over the people and guaranteeing freedom and liberty to the individual. Unfortunately, freedom and liberty come with a price: responsibility (see my blog post from 3/27). On the other hand, Liberals believe that it's not enough to be born in a country free of government persecution. Rather, they believe it's the government's job to ensure that we all at least start from equal footing. Just because you're born poor, it doesn't mean you should be condemned to less than adequate education, healthcare, shelter, nutrition, etc. You should have all the same advantages the rich kids have. Furthermore, if you make some mistakes in life, like abuse drugs or alcohol, you should be given the care you need to get yourself back on your feet. Furthermore, if you fall in with the wrong crowd and commit a few crimes, you should be rehabilitated and re-educated, and returned to society for a second, third or fourth chance to get your life back on track.

Again, what did the founders intend? Did Thomas Jefferson want a government which could take care of all of its citizens, risking the possible increase in size and power? Well, let's examine one of his quotes: "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." Um, I don't think so.

The bottom line is that Conservatives have nothing to be ashamed of. You're beliefs are just as valid, if not moreso, than those of the Liberals, and the written documents upon which this nation is founded support all of the conservative principles much more strongly than liberal principles. Conservatives, by definition, hold to traditional attitudes and values and are cautious about change or innovation. Liberals are open to new behavior or opinions and are willing to discard traditional values. That may work with respect to office dress codes, but not with the founding principles of the United States. People who think we just need to "change with the times" are simply ignoring history and what has worked for over 200 years. Remember if you are a conservative, you are actually in pretty good company. I would argue that Conservatives want to stick to the principles of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine and James Madison. Be proud of your beliefs and stand up to those who try to ostracize you! Remember, you are right...they are not!