Forget neo-cons, beware the ex-cons

[Bonnie]

March 14, 2005

Forget the neo-cons, beware the ex-cons
Chuck Muth

So I’m listening to talk radio recently during the hellish commute to our nation’s capital, and I hear caller after caller start out by saying, “I’m a conservative, except…” The issue was over a proposed new government-mandated smoking ban in bars and restaurants. And the callers - so-called “conservatives” - were all for it.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying smoking is good. And I’m not saying smoking isn’t offensive to a lot of people, especially while dining. What I AM saying is that the proper, consistent conservative position is that the decision whether or not to allow smoking in a privately-owned bar or restaurant should be up to the OWNER of the bar or restaurant - not the government.

If the bar or restaurant allows smoking - and you don’t like smoking - don’t go there! There is no “right” for you to eat in someone else’s kitchen. I’m not saying conservatives need to defend smoking. I’m saying true conservatives need to defend individual liberty; to defend the private property owner’s rights over government power and coercion. If government can tell a business owner how to run his business, how long before that same government begins mandating healthy meals in your own home - for the good of the children, of course?

I’ve found over recent years that more and more so-called conservatives find “exceptions” to their limited-government principles on a host of issues. I’ve started calling them “ex-cons” - exception conservatives - and they are far more dangerous to the limited-government movement than the so-called “neo-cons.” See if you haven’t run across an “ex-con” in your political travels recently...

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to tobacco. Government shouldn’t raise taxes, except on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. That’s OK.”

* “I’m a conservative...except for delivering the mail. The government should continue to ban private companies from competing with the post office.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to advertising by drug companies. The government should force them to cut back on their advertising so that their products would be cheaper.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to McDonalds and Burger King. The government should stop them from advertising during kids’ shows.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to snack machines in high schools. Those machines should be banned to protect the children.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to Howard Stern. The government should ban him from the airwaves...even on satellite radio.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to Budweiser and Coors commercials during college football and basketball games. The government should ban those ads.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to Microsoft. The government was right to prosecute them for being so much better at selling their products than their competitors. Bill Gates was being fair.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to terminally ill patients using marijuana to relieve their pain and suffering. The government should prohibit pot smoking in the privacy of your own home no matter what the circumstances.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to home-schoolers. Those people should have to report to the government.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to driving safety. The government is absolutely right to require people to wear motorcycle helmets and seat belts.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to wages. The government should determine the minimum wage a private employer has to pay to his or her employees.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to air travel. The government has every right to randomly search people and their luggage without probably cause. It’s for our own good.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to health care. Health care is a “right” and the government should make sure everyone gets it. For free.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to retirement. The government should provide everyone with a comfortable retirement.”

* “I’m a conservative...except when it comes to gun rights. It’s OK for the government to require that people get gun licenses and ban the sale of guns at gun shows. Otherwise, a ‘bad’ guy might get one.”

And on and on and on. One “except” after another. THIS is the biggest problem with the conservative movement today. If so-called conservative voters are willing to constantly make exceptions to their own philosophical beliefs, is it any wonder that pandering politicians are so schizophrenic in their voting? If we, as true conservative voters and activists can’t or won’t be consistent in our positions, how can we expect our elected representatives to be any better?

We have met the enemy, and it’s us. Conservatives, heal thyselves.

http://www.opinioneditorials.com/guestcontributors/cmuth_20050314.html

 

[Merlin1047]

Bonnie, I have to take exception with the philosophy of that article. I'm too lazy right now to look it up but someone once said "consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds".

One can be conservative in some areas and liberal in others. I tend to be conservative (mostly) in fiscal matters and in the area of government services, entitlement programs, state's rights and defense. I tend to be somwhat liberal on the environment.

Even in those areas where I am most conservative, there are exceptions. Personally, I believe that a thinking person cannot slavishly devote himself to a single point of view and apply that to every situation. Truth is, that's the definition of an idealogue.

I suppose that the writer would include me in the "ex-con" category. But I'm comfortable with that, because despite the fact that I'm conservative, I am humble enough to recognize that conservatives don't have a lock on all the good ideas in government or society. I think that we should accept whatever is best for the country, regardless of the source and without regard to dogma or ideology.

 

[SmarterThanYou]

kinda shoots the 'moderates are those who can't decide one side or the other' argument right in the foot, doesn't it?

I consider myself independent because of the very same reasons that you do merlin. I'm conservative on aot of fiscal matters, liberal in some social.

 

[Bonnie]

Bonnie, I have to take exception with the philosophy of that article. I'm too lazy right now to look it up but someone once said "consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds".

One can be conservative in some areas and liberal in others. I tend to be conservative (mostly) in fiscal matters and in the area of government services, entitlement programs, state's rights and defense. I tend to be somwhat liberal on the environment.

Even in those areas where I am most conservative, there are exceptions. Personally, I believe that a thinking person cannot slavishly devote himself to a single point of view and apply that to every situation. Truth is, that's the definition of an idealogue.

I suppose that the writer would include me in the "ex-con" category. But I'm comfortable with that, because despite the fact that I'm conservative, I am humble enough to recognize that conservatives don't have a lock on all the good ideas in government or society. I think that we should accept whatever is best for the country, regardless of the source and without regard to dogma or ideology.

I posted this article more for it's debate value than anything I agree or disagree with. As you stated I too am conservative in some areas and liberal in others and consider myself an Independent more than specifically a Republican. That said I also do think there is merit in consistency and consensus, as that is what moves a country foward. I respect those that weigh each idea carefully, but I also admire those that have a strong ideological philosophy and generally stick to that as much as possible.

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines

.

Ralph Waldo Emerson form his self reliance essay

 

[rtwngAvngr]

Bonnie, I have to take exception with the philosophy of that article. I'm too lazy right now to look it up but someone once said "consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds".

One can be conservative in some areas and liberal in others. I tend to be conservative (mostly) in fiscal matters and in the area of government services, entitlement programs, state's rights and defense. I tend to be somwhat liberal on the environment.

Even in those areas where I am most conservative, there are exceptions. Personally, I believe that a thinking person cannot slavishly devote himself to a single point of view and apply that to every situation. Truth is, that's the definition of an idealogue.

I suppose that the writer would include me in the "ex-con" category. But I'm comfortable with that, because despite the fact that I'm conservative, I am humble enough to recognize that conservatives don't have a lock on all the good ideas in government or society. I think that we should accept whatever is best for the country, regardless of the source and without regard to dogma or ideology.

Do what's best for the country? That's a glittering generality my friend.

The article is good. Most people want to say they're for freedom until it comes to a pet peeve of theirs or something that benefits them personally.

 

[ScreamingEagle]

I'd say that a lot of those "ex-cons" are not really conservatives to begin with. Altho the Republicans may still use the conservative label, they have pretty much become liberals, while the Democrats have pretty much become socialists.

Real conservativism seems to be dead. Where is the true conservative leadership? I can't really see it on today's political landscape.

 

[Bonnie]

Screaming Eagle

Real conservativism seems to be dead. Where is the true conservative leadership? I can't really see it on today's political landscape.

It may have died in theory with Reagan. Most newer conservatives seem to be obsessed with reaching across the aisle, only to keep getting their fingers bitten off.

 

[ScreamingEagle]

Screaming Eagle


It may have died in theory with Reagan. Most newer conservatives seem to be obsessed with reaching across the aisle, only to keep getting their fingers bitten off.

Why is that? Maybe today's conservatives are just as stupid as the liberals claim.

 

[SmarterThanYou]

Most newer conservatives seem to be obsessed with reaching across the aisle, only to keep getting their fingers bitten off.

 

[5stringJeff]

I'd say that a lot of those "ex-cons" are not really conservatives to begin with. Altho the Republicans may still use the conservative label, they have pretty much become liberals, while the Democrats have pretty much become socialists.

I disagree. There are plenty of good conservatives out there. But just because one doesn't toe the party line on every issue doesn't mean one isn't a "true conservative." For example, I believe that marijuana usage should be decriminalized. That certainly goes against traditional conservative values! But am I really an "ex-conservative" just because of my stand on one issue? Whatever happened to the Big Tent of Republicanism??

Real conservativism seems to be dead. Where is the true conservative leadership? I can't really see it on today's political landscape.

Let's hope Bill Frist can take the bull by the horns. I long for the days of Newt Gingrich!

 

[Merlin1047]

The article is good. Most people want to say they're for freedom until it comes to a pet peeve of theirs or something that benefits them personally.

Hey RWA - and this is not intended to make you mad - but you sound just like a lib. That's THEIR philosophy that you're spouting. Libs demand abject worship of their PC speech codes, their "sensitivity" programs and their social engineering programs. Apparently you demand unswerving and unquestioning adherence to your own generality which you label "freedom" otherwise you seem to feel that one is not qualified to be considered conservative.

Last time I looked, if you were a conservative, you were still allowed, even encouraged, to think for yourself. I don't know about you, but I'll choose my own philosophy. I don't need to have it pre-packaged and handed to me by any particular political party, thank you very much.

 

[Bonnie]

Why is that? Maybe today's conservatives are just as stupid as the liberals claim.

Not sure, maybe they buy into the notion that if you are highly principled you are seen as narrow minded or just not empathetic to others.?

 

[Bonnie]

gop_jeff I disagree. There are plenty of good conservatives out there. But just because one doesn't toe the party line on every issue doesn't mean one isn't a "true conservative." For example, I believe that marijuana usage should be decriminalized. That certainly goes against traditional conservative values! But am I really an "ex-conservative" just because of my stand on one issue? Whatever happened to the Big Tent of Republicanism??

Which brings us back to the question what specifically defines a conservative? One who believes in limited government, so limited government can be decriminalization of pot? Or is that getting into Liberal territory? Libertarian ideology??

 

[no1tovote4]

Which brings us back to the question what specifically defines a conservative? One who believes in limited government, so limited government can be decriminalization of pot? Or is that getting into Liberal territory? Libertarian ideology??

I would call myself a Conservative Libertarian. Does that mean that I am not actually Conservative? Most of you know my opinions here, am I truly not Conservative because I am not Republican?

 

[SmarterThanYou]

I find it humorous that some people are now being introspective about the collection of ideologies it takes to be a 'conservative', yet you'll generalize 'liberal' all friggin day. :rotflmao:

 

[Bonnie]

I would call myself a Conservative Libertarian. Does that mean that I am not actually Conservative? Most of you know my opinions here, am I truly not Conservative because I am not Republican?

As I am as well, very conservative on a lot of things, but liberal on others, such as animal rights, the environment..I would vote for a Conservative Democrat over a liberal Republican, and have on many occasions.

 

[Bonnie]

I find it humorous that some people are now being introspective about the collection of ideologies it takes to be a 'conservative', yet you'll generalize 'liberal' all friggin day. :rotflmao:

Most liberals I have known are really not that complex to figure out.

 

[5stringJeff]

I would call myself a Conservative Libertarian. Does that mean that I am not actually Conservative? Most of you know my opinions here, am I truly not Conservative because I am not Republican?

That's exactly where I am. I identify strongly with the GOP, but I also identify with the libertarian ideals of individual freedom. You should check out the Republican Liberty Caucus.

Which brings us back to the question what specifically defines a conservative? One who believes in limited government, so limited government can be decriminalization of pot? Or is that getting into Liberal territory? Libertarian ideology??

Bonnie, to answer your question, I think the concepts of limited, efficient government, strong defense, and a patriotic spirit are the backbone of conservatism. And I think there's some overlap with Libertarianism.

 

[Bonnie]

That's exactly where I am. I identify strongly with the GOP, but I also identify with the libertarian ideals of individual freedom. You should check out the Republican Liberty Caucus.



Bonnie, to answer your question, I think the concepts of limited, efficient government, strong defense, and a patriotic spirit are the backbone of conservatism. And I think there's some overlap with Libertarianism.

I would agree on that as well.

 

[musicman]

I find it humorous that some people are now being introspective about the collection of ideologies it takes to be a 'conservative', yet you'll generalize 'liberal' all friggin day. :rotflmao:

LOL - good point! It's human nature, I guess.