Do people who support Bush and the government's actions realize they do not support traditional conservatism?

Question

BEFORE YOU ANSWER, READ EVERYTHING I HAVE TO SAY.
IT IS VERY ENLIGHTENING.
Conservatives generally carry these ideals:
Balancing the budget, small govt, limited govt, moral values...

But Neoconservatives have impulsively done this:
$8.5 trillion deficit, big business-supported government, new controversial laws being passed all the time because of "national security" that increases the power of the govt to the point of beyond extemity, and misleading the American public about the war without reluctance.

You really shouldn't identify yourself with radical neo-conservative beliefs unless you want to be known as a neoconservative.
True conservatives would not support the government's actions.
I would hope you still support traditional conservative values.

I have talked to many former republicans who have switched to libertarians in order to remain true to the core conservative beliefs.

Did republicans switch from conservative to neoconservative once Bush came along?

Answer 1

Finally. Thank you for making that important distinction. There has been so much name calling, it confuses the real deal. Many young people don't remember the Reagan years, when everything drastically changed, nor do they remember a time when our leaders still had a little integrity. I have really been puzzled by all of the Bush followers, since nothing about his policies seem to represent any of the American people, or true conservative ideals. These are very confusing times, and I think we, the American people, need to wake up and realize how dangerous it can be to vote for a party just because we always voted for it, and our dad voted for it, and so on. Some people fool themselves or don't want to admit that things aren't what they seem. And many feel they voted for the lesser of two evils. We will never truly know for sure- but I was pretty sure this guy and his crew were a disaster. It would be nice if we get better choices next time.

Answer 2

They're called Reagan conservatives because he was the first to branch off of the traditional fiscal conservative route. Its ironic that the most conservative president in the traditional sense in the last 25 years is considered the most liberal - Bill Clinton.

PS: We don't have an 8.5 trillion national deficit, but an 8.4 trillion debt. Big difference

PPS: In response to "Joe 6Pack American", if you looked at the reasons why these islamic fundamentalists hate us and attack us, the current administration is only making matters worse. You cannot fight this war in a traditional way by invading countries and taking over since there is no central organization (even capturing and/or killing bin Laden will not help us win, but only strenghten their resolve). The terrorists main gripes, 1) occupation of holy lands (Saudi Arabia), 2) devestation and humilation of iraq and surrounding nations (and this was in 1998, before the current war), and 3) unwavering and unquestioning support of Israel. Bin Laden does not hate freedom as the current administration will have you believe, but instead has very legitimate gripes with how the US is treating the Middle East, but has chosen a poor way to obtain his goals and his causes have been demonized because of it.

Answer 3

The deficit is no larger compared to the GDP.
We don't support all of what Bush has done he's not vetoed a single spending bill but he is fighting the islamic extremists something the democrat party will not do. This has to be done before they get out of control. Look at what's happening in france and Great Britain. The islamic extremists are patient people and they are slowly forcing their will on the world.

The Patriot Act and all other bills passed still have checks and balances in place to protect American citizens who are the only people that the Constitution of the United States of America is supposed to protect.

It's sad we have a 2 party system. I wasted my vote in 92 by voting for Perot. I will not allow a 3rd party to sway my vote again and cause us to get another terrible President like clinton.

Answer 4

you know I think no matter what we say or do people will make their own mind s towards things yes one person can make a different but at the end who will win if dirt will always come out one way or another we need to just keep praying cause without god help we all be no where I stop voting cause of our goverment not backing us up everything is money no matter who gets hurts the poor are the ones to paid the price those that work hours and even two jobs to make ends meet. we the people are the hand it to money to the goverment that thinks of them selfs. our votes as u seen in the past do not matter something always happneds at the voting booth. may god help us all

Answer 5

I don't remember seeing a 'real conservative' (as you describe it) on the ballot.
If you'd rather have Kerry or Gore in the White House, you're obviously not a conservative at all.

Answer 6

No. If they're stupid enough to support that wanker then they don't know what real conservatism is. How about conserving the constitution of your founding fathers?

Answer 7

Do you think the democrats of today were the same as when JFK was President? He would be embarrassed of the democrat of today.

Answer 8

No. They don't realize it. But you are absoultely right.

Reagan took them off the path.

Answer 9

Dude, how many times are you going to repost this same question?

Answer 10

No they probably don't