What exactly does it mean to be a Republican or conservative?

Question

What beliefs would typify Republicans and/or conservatives. What are their main positions on key issues? What are their characteristic attitudes? How do those compare and contrast with those of Democrats and/or liberals?

Answer 1

These days Conservative and Republican are opposites. Back when Reagan was president it meant the same thing but in the last 20 years Republicans represent selfish, narrow-minded destructive charlatans who take from our nation. They do this by corruption such as we saw in the House of Representatives where they tolerated manipulative lobbyists like Abraham or sex offenders like Foley. And they spend our tax dollars for their selfish gain in order to get re-elected and to build a huge wasteful government. There once was a time when Conservative meant pressing for a smaller and less expensive government that encouraged freedom. Those days are gone and there really is no Conservative party outside of the Libertarians but they are so small won't have much influence. I think we can thank the Republicans for the destruction of America and they have created an entitlement mentality where most seem to have their handout in favor of massive, wasteful government that gives them freebies.

Answer 2

Back in the 60's and 70's there really wasn't too much of a difference between Republican and Conservatism - nowadays, the gap is huge. True Conservatives are going to be for limited government and the right to personal choice on most issues. Now, I love George Bush to death, but he is sure is not the prime example of a Conservative.

Decreased spending I say would divide the two straight down the middle nowadays. A true Conservative would have never voted for the Medicare bill that went through a few years back. Now days you are most likely are going to find your true Conservatives in the a Grass Roots party, not the Republican party, although they may be socially Liberal. It's kind of a hard topic to grasp...

Answer 3

Ronald Reagan is an example of a conservative republican, and believed in less government, but that freedom and responsibility are conjoined twins, they can not be seperated or survive without each other. Those who promise to relieve you of all responsibilty, expect something in return. The idea is we have more laws than the average person is even aware of, and more being cooked up every second, everyone wants to regulate what someone else does. Reagan's belief was the laws we need are those listed in the US Constitution, not new ones invented out of thin air by US Supreme Court judges (liberal = liberal interpretation, conservative = stay with the original intent). I don't know how gay marriage and abortion became main issues, except they are easiest to rally liberals around. I work, pay taxes, abide by the laws, vote and grumble about idiots in office, if I can. others can, I don't want anyone's hand in my wallet, and for that I'm called an evil right-winger, so be it :P

Answer 4

Tough question...especially these days when most politicians and people are in the middle with most views.
I would use 1 thing to typify a conservative....as I am...and that's self responsibility...when I say that...I mean being responsible for yourself and not expecting the gov't to help or give a hand out.

Answer 5

arising a sparkling privileged type interior the tax roles that has not some thing to do with why authorities controls marriage (to legitimize toddlers and to promote a topic that permits cut back crime, poverty, etc) is an unwarranted extension of authorities. Smaller authorities interprets to following the structure as a replace of paying lip service to it.

Answer 6

becoming a Republican means you have sunk to the lowest level of politics. You have to be a master of placing blame the other party for all your mistakes and treat the poor like dirt and kick them every time you catch them down and become a racist and a bigot

Answer 7

Conservatism means you exert the maximum control over the maximum numer of people for the maximum financial gain of the minority (business people.)