Is Social Conservatism taking the USA in the wrong direction?

Question

To start, I am not a liberal. I am a moderate and a fiscal conservative.
Social Conservatives believe the government should control morality either by edict or gunpoint, as in Iraq. Bush, a Social Conservative, has led this country into a quagmire in Iraq, increased deficit spending, divided the population, turned world opinion against the U.S., and has strained our military to the breaking point.
Is it time to admit Social Conservatism is a failure.

Answer 1

Yes, yes, and yes again. Social conservatism is a failure for one simple reason encapsulated in the often heard dictum “You cannot legislate morality”. Kids learn, in entry-level history and political science classes that numerous instances where historical endeavors to coerce society to subscribe to a set of narrow moral principles that are inimical to the culture are ultimately failures. It’s amazing that the Bush administration, with some erudite minds, that were afforded the best education, haven’t come to this realization. History has attested to this truism, and current events in Iraq, and in the domestic front, merely substantiate what we know deep down to be true.

Its sad because many of the fiscal conservatives policies are tenable, but many people dismiss them because the term conservative automatically has a negative connotation because it has been co-opted by religious fanatics like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. If you want to transform society to become more “moral” make a society conducive to morality by providing environment where people are naturally motivated to be moral. Morality cannot be elicited under duress.

Answer 2

You sure sound like a liberal.

Considering all the things liberals have tried to get implemented and how soundly they have been thrashed I'd say it was the liberals that are in trouble.

Yes the Democrats took back control of Congress. But the people they did it with are much more conservative than the leaders.

And as far as the social part of that goes, how many social liberal things have gotten done in the past years. In that bastion of liberalism Massachusetts it's not going to be voted on by the people if gay marriages will be allowed in MA. It looks like the liberal court there is about to be overriden by the people.

-Bush, a Social Conservative, has led this country into a quagmire in Iraq,

And he was followed by the majority of liberal Democrats until they found out it wouldn't be like Poloriod-- Finished in 60 seconds. Bush may have led but liberals followed.

-increased deficit spending,

That is a province of Congress. And I don't hear any liberals saying we have to cut back on spending.

- divided the population,

If you think it's social conservative that are totally to blame not only are you delusional, you have to be a rabid liberal.

-turned world opinion against the U.S.

Who is against us now that wasn't before we went into Iraq? No one that I know of.

-and has strained our military to the breaking point.

They are strained, but by no means broken. The active military we had prior to 9/11 was too small and really should be at least twice the size it is. That can be fixed. But will the liberals sacrifice any votes to do it? Probably not. And Charlie Rangles proposal to reinstate the draft won't be supported by either side.

Answer 3

When we fail to recognize the needs of the people as a whole and begin to take into consideration all social , political and local treatment of any group of people because of race , color ,sex , ethnic background or religion and deny the abuses of those people on that basis as problematic of the entire social structure ,we lose part of our humanity .
It is people who are callous enough to defend the current financial system which abuses workers due to gender age race and social status .
The average white male is not college educated with a degree . Yet he earns more income and operates more businesses then any other group of people .
Women who do the same work as a man are paid less .Now consider that black men are paid less then white women and black women less then black males . We can skip Mexicans who everyone equates with low wages ,Job stealer's and part of Americas biggest problem for now but we must accept that the system is the one benefiting from all this abuse .
A system designed and controlled by white males .Consider the power struggle with in the typical American family . When you upset your wife what is the first benefit you notice you lose .Now is it any wonder that women have argued that men should not drink and that prostitution should be criminal no gambling or any vices .
Yet we have a wave of gambling ,prostitution and drugs underlying the secret America no one wants to talk about .
Men have shown women that life without them is more difficult over the last 30 years . President Clinton is an example of women having to accept this type of behavior and Hillary staying with her man as an example of how women should remain in there marriages . Is this part of the agenda for America . To try and hold together the program of the family unit reduce forced government spending to subsides the children of men who have moved on , and are not responsible .
I understand the unique frustration of people who got married worked hard to provided the kids with opportunity saved and have homes businesses and jobs . Looked a few times and may have come close to crossing the line but did not .Those people who made a life together by working at it . Its easy to say that those who do not have the same level of financial security are to blame for there own decision making .
If you find your wife in bed with another due you simply divide your assets and time with the kids . This makes many men who had a home renters .This is also true of women who's husbands cheat . Should they divide his wealth and lower the standard of living they both achieved .
The American way of life is under attack but not from without but from within . Men are re-enforced to believe that they alone have the privilege to cheat it is his nature . Women likewise are being told that if he can so should you . Where is this coming from . Television magazines movies the media in general . This is controlled by the wealthiest Americans and some say even the Jews . Not true completely .But Jewish marriages are more likely to survive an affair then christian marriages .
They realize that money is the only thing keeping them from having to work hard . That together they are stronger then divided . So we have the rich elite in america enjoying a lifestyle that is forbidden to the poor .
Betty ford is for the rich and social services is for the poor .One promotes family unity the other promotes the division of families prosecution and jail .
While the rich like bush do cocaine and other drugs driving drunk and killing people like kennedy did and others do when caught a blind eye is turned .
Is it any wonder the rich want a divided america . An end to unions and the american dream .
It is to increase the bottom line . Yes corporate America loves Gambling ,drinking ,smoking ,and even drug use . Look at the Medical plans that payed in the 80-90's for drug rehab . This was and is the generation that wants to keep kids off drugs . The difference is for the rich these things due not apply . Today only executives health plans pay for rehab . Why ???? We have a surplus of workers is why . This is why the wage has remained low and seen little growth and in some industries a decline . We can blame the Mexicans if we want or the real cause .Large corporate America who relies heavily on government programs and investments . We have 100 defense contractors listed in the forbes top 250 corporations in america .they are directly or indirectly supported by tax dollars .
The system does not want happy people it wants chaos and misery and for people to be depressed . How often do you see happy workers . If you do it is not often and ask people about their job and all they can say is it pays the bills just barely .
Well I have rambled on enough for now . Have a nice evening .

Answer 4

eh, not necessarily. You see, social conservativsm is very much a success. Making murder illegal is social conservativsm, and it also usually fights for victim's rights. Bush is not a social conserative, he is also a social liberal with the day after pill. Also, if you are going to bring an example of something, then state all of his failures, i am sure i could bring examples of social liberal failures.

I do agree though that some of it is just wacko, and i am a fiscal conservative also, and closer to a social liberal.

Answer 5

The two party system in the US is the problem - you have to vote for one or the other and once voted for and in power; the route to getting the leaders out is almost not worth the effort and seems to be attempted only for purley political reasons not for reasons of bad governance. The parliamentry system has an out for the people by using a vote of NON CONFIDENCE.

The adoption of a non confidence type of system and the introduction of new parties is a must. But that's only my point of view and I'm not American.

Answer 6

The US need,s to get a new president before Bush Destroys your country

Answer 7

How about some straight up socialism. It is sneaking up on us and being served up by so called democrats that would have us submit to big government and surrender any individualism we possess.

Answer 8

Yes. The US Constituiton, like it or not, is liberal...I wouldn't want Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and Haggert telling me what to do.

Answer 9

I think your depiction of social conservatives is misguided and certainly offensive, and your adoration of social liberalism a bit too star-struck.

And both far too simple without sufficient proof backing your premise.

Answer 10

I want no government control in out private lives.