It is high time for Conservatives to reclaim ownership of their principles from politicians who claim to represent conservative values in order to get elected. I consider myself a conservative and I bristle at the disgusting tactics and positions McCain and Palin have used in this campaign. It's insulting to me when they call themselves conservatives and then behave the way they do. I voted for Reagan because, though I did not agree with all of his positions, he was a man of dignity who commanded respect.
So, for starters I want to put down some policy goals that are based on conservative principles. I would encourage folks to comment and expand on the list.
1. Balancing the Federal budget and using honest accounting that reports future obligations
2. Being good stewards of the environment
3. Choosing smart and strong national defense strategies--staying out of foolish conflicts
4. Respecting and being fair to veterans--not just talk
5. Returning to principled moral leadership at home and abroad
6. Respecting people's rights to privacy--staying out of the bedroom and women's reproductive decisions
7. Respecting religious beliefs of others, including persons who are not religious
8. Investing in and boldy managing public education
9. Overseeing financial institutions to instill confidence for investors
10. Developing equitable tax policies that strengthen the middle class, encourage savings and investment
11. Balancing commercial and trade policies to encourage domestic investment and employment
12. Seeking long-term solutions to our challenges based on reason and science
13. Conducting civil public discourse
14. Calling upon and enabling citizens to contribute to shared goals
etc.
My hope is that others who share these values and goals will realize that people with a conservative point of view should support Obama and Biden because they have demonstrated principles and conviction that offer the best prospects for returning to the traditions of decency, respect, and common purpose that so many of us share regardless of any polital party. This is OUR country and we should not let it be hijacked by posers. I say ENOUGH!
3 comments:
Amen. Bring back the pragmatism and leave behind the politics of fear. We are a super power and should be acting out of strength and wisdom, not fear and loathing.
I'd also like to respectfully suggest a comprehensive, domestically-sourced renewable energy program.
It was this position that initially drew me to Mr. Obama, and a someone who considers themselves a conservative (I no longer strongly identify with the "Rovian" leadership that has taken over the Republican Party), I was perplexed by Mr. Obama's thoughtful, well-reasoned positions on renewable energy policy.
I strongly believe that this is the linchpin issue that strongly influences just about every other political discussion point (save abortion, education and healthcare) that is open for discussion this election season.
When I looked beyond energy, I found that I shared a significant majority of Mr. Obama's positions.
The "Rovians" that have taken over the Republican Party (like some kind of alien invader) somehow believes that we can export democracy around the world at the point of a gun, while subsuming everyone else's petroleum resources to satisfy our own energy requirements.
Mr. Obama thoughtfully expresses a desire to finally pay up for thirty years of political windbaggery and proposes to DO something about our energy situation.
Of course, it's expensive to do so, but if the elected "leadership" of the last thirty years had actually DONE something, starting with the '73 oil embargo, rather than simply paying LIP service to it, then we wouldn't be facing a "peak oil" scenario, coupled with "free market" price manipulations that resulted in oil selling for $140+ a barrel this past summer!
I do not agree with 100% of Mr. Obama's positions, but his thought processes, gravitas, leadership and communication skills are SO superior to McCain, that it will be my pleasure to vote Democratic for President for the first time since 1980, when I was first eligible to vote.
I wish everyone thought like you guys. McCain divorced his wife for a new model and no one has a problem with it. However, they won't vengence and the heads of democrats who do the same. It seems that they're filled with anger. I don't know what to think. I just pray about it. I don't agree with same sex marriages, but I agree with treating people with dignity and respect. Republicans and conservatives are so full of hate for people that they do not practice the forgiveness or humbleness that the bible teaches.
Post a Comment