conservatives supposedly against big government?

Question

this has always bothered me and relatively recent episode of comedy central's the colbert report has prompted me to ask this question. why is it that right wingers constantly cry about government control. i could never understand this as it those very same people that support such liberty constraining issues as an anti-gay marraige amendment and the FCC's crusade against "indecency", NSA wire tapping. things like these are what flexes the muscles of big government by way of denying our basic freedoms and choices. i guess their idea of freedom is being able to have as many guns possible (not that i have anything against guns) and pointing them in the direction of all who disagree. alright, before you conservatives submit your angry answers for the cheap shot, know that all i really want to know is your reasoning. i am open to both left and right interpretation on this matter

p.s.: apparently i love parentheticals. just wanted to say that. i know i'm lame.

Answer 1

I, as a person who voted Republican in the last two elections, dislike big government. I don't believe the federal government should have the right to tell me how to live my life. To touch on the examples you gave:

Gay-marriage is an oxymoron. I'm not religious, but the institution of marriage is, and it is because of the Bible that I will opt for a civil ceremony. Why would homosexuals want to be apart of an institution that says their lives are wrong?

There is no doubt that American popular culture has an affect on society. I think that there are other ways to handle the situation, other than handing out astronomical finds.

During wartime, I believe it is the right of every citizen to give up some civil liberties in the cause of national security. I feel safer knowing that our government is out there listening to known and suspected terrorists.

My problems with big government are more to do on a social level. I don't think there needs to be so many different agencies involved in Americans' lives. It seems like every time a I have to interact with the government, it is always another departments problem. Be it between social services, courts, DOT, DMV... The huge bureaucracy has become a drain on our society, and I for one think a major reform is due.

Answer 2

The answer to this is pure and basic and rather simple:

Greed.

They are against big government, but only when it stiffens their accumulation of more money than they could ever spend. Bush is giving away our country by the billions and those who benefit are those in the top one percent. The rest of us will have to foot the bill.

They are against big government when it restricts their accumulation of their wealth. They couldn't care less about protecting our air or our land because, no matter how bad it gets for the rest of us, they know their wealth will protect them.

They are against big government when this means better schools and a more equal playing field for the rest of us. The last thing in the world these greedy immoral people want is a better educated middle and lower class because they don't want any of us taking a piece of their money pie. To them it isn't personal. It's simply good business to keep as many people as ignorant and uninquisitive as possible.

They are against big government when it means prying eyes trying to restrain their greed.

And on and on ...

Answer 3

real conservatives are excellent with you. I recommend, I voted for the guy, yet he's starting to be the most liberal president when you consider that FDR. Get this - the DEMOCRATS are pushing the re-mission of the mandatory textual content of conservatism - that is Bible, in case you'll, "The moral experience of a Conservative" through Barry Goldwater. I recommend, it really is genuine Ronald Reagan stuff, and the Dems are on board. Get the e book, study it, and spot who's conservative, now! this must be a real wakeup call for lengthy-time Republicans like me - i'm balloting Dem in the technique the board, this time.

Answer 4

Stop getting your news from Comedy Central. It is really the best answer I could give you.

Answer 5

good question... it doesn't make any sense to me either... you can't spend less by making more rules and needing more people to enforce them...