Can someone explain "Common Sense Conservatism" to me...

and off to the D&D we go

 

It certainly doesn't involve posting a thread about politics in the Hangout.

 

con·ser·va·tism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (kn-sûrv-tzm)
n.
The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order.
A political philosophy or attitude emphasizing respect for traditional institutions, distrust of government activism, and opposition to sudden change in the established order.

It is only Common Sense that there must be a very compelling reason to change...

 

isn't the phrase an oxymoron?

 

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen."

~Albert Einstein

 

These get close...

 

compelling to who? That depends who you ask...I suppose.

The phrase was likely invented by a conservative who wants to legitimize their own agenda by making it sound reasonable to the general population. I highly doubt it is any more complicated than that so I wouldn't bother to search for a deeper meaning.

American politics is about simplifying messages so us "common folk" can digest it. "Common sense" sounds good but it isn't any more meaningful than that.

 

What would make something compelling enough to change is that there is a serious problem or some dysfunction.

The conservative "agenda" is pretty much to leave things as they are while the liberal/progressive "agenda" is to "improve" things based on other ideas. Obviously there is some reclamation going on as well, i.e. Roe v Wade.

So it would seem that your "according to whom" qualifier really should be asked of liberals more than conservatives, since they are the ones advocating for change.

Of course all this is over-simplified.

 

The simple mention of the word "conservative" (never mind "republican") and you are assuming it is bound for the D&D or making smart ass remarks. The dude asked a simple question. My bet would be what krosfyah said except without the bitter twinge.

 

I'm not sure if this is part of the national platform of the republican party (too afraid to look ), but it is on the New York State GOP website. What I find interesting is that you could replace the word republican with democrat and you could just as easily find this on a democratic website.

Why Am I A Republican?

I believe in the promise of America and the goodness of the American people.

I believe that the roots of our society are found in strong families, personal faith, solid communities, and love of country.

I believe that our flag, the "Stars and Stripes", is a true and unique symbol of the pride and patriotism Americans share in their beloved nation.

I believe that America is still the "shining city on a hill", and represents the dreams and aspirations of current and future generations of American citizens.

I believe that our government is best when it is closest to the people that it serves.

I believe that government and governmental programs should be efficient, and provide full accountability for the practices and policies it's leaders propose and implement.

I believe in the spirit of free enterprise, in which capitalism is the best means to keep our economy running strong, both now and in the future.

I believe that while government can and should be the provider of some essential services, it should function with limited taxation, financial efficiency and the adoption of innovations to allow taxpayers to get the most for their hard-earned tax dollars.

I believe that America's military is the most powerful military force in the world, and that our brave men and women who serve our nation deserve the respect and admiration a grateful nation can only bestow.

I believe that governments first and foremost responsibility is the providing of safety and security to our citizens.

I believe that the rights of law-abiding citizens should outweigh the rights of criminals and that the enforcement of existing laws, combined with the addition of innovative, common-sense policies, is the best means of furthering a civil society.

I believe that our natural environment is a precious resource for all humankind, and that citizens and government should work together to implement common-sense policies that allow for both environmental protection and economic growth.

I believe that in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, all persons are created equal, and that I oppose discrimination in any form, against any person, and for any reason.

I believe in an inclusive political party, a party with a "big tent" approach where I am encouraged to share my beliefs and to disagree with those who share opposing viewpoints.

I believe that Republican Party leaders and officials have brought needed change to New York State and I agree that supporting their efforts is the best way to ensure a brighter future for many years to come.

http://nygop.org/nygop_contents/why/

 

Come on Chance ... you've been around this board long enough to know that a thread like this was going to go to the D&D. I wasn't bashing his question. I am a conservative republican, but you had to know where this was going. That is why I generally avoid the D&D all together.

 

It has to do with the fact that a lot of liberal policies lacked common sense, like say massive welfare programs with high taxes. We need a serious dose of common sense after progressive politics dominated in the 60's and '70s.

 

In my mind, there are two types of actual conservative belief.

One is fiscal conservatism. This side of conservatism is interested in the government spending as little as it can to accomplish the goals of the government. In addition, this side has typically opposed many programs the US government has put into place. Rabid fiscal conservatives go so far as to oppose many programs that are deeply ingrained in our history (Postal Service), but those people also oppose the massive pork spending that both parties engage in freely these days. True fiscal conservatives are interested in paring down the spending that the Federal government does. I am quite fiscally conservative and am appalled at the spending behemoth that the US government has become.

The other is social conservatism. This is the definition of conservatism that giddyup posted in this thread. Social conservatives typically want small, incremental changes in government rather than massive, fundamental changes in government policies. Typically, it seems like social conservatives also fight against changes that have been made already, as is the case with Roe v Wade.


Unfortuantely, I see very little of either in the GOP, which is supposed to be the conservative party. I was on board with GHWB in '88 and voted for him without hesitation. I thought Quayle was a giant douche, but the elder Bush did not seem in danger of keeling over, but he was so much better than his opponent, who Will Durst (very funny political comedian) described as having the "personality of a human speedbump." He also said "you combed through the entire Democratic party and the best you could find was Michael Dukakis?!?!" Truer words are rarely spoken.

Unfortuantely, the conservatives in power now bear no resemblence to the Grand Old Party that was presented to me when I was 18.

 

Unfortuantely, the conservatives in power now bear no resemblence to the Grand Old Party that was presented to me when I was 18.

Andymoon, the conservative party has been ambushed by the Neo-Con fascists. The Old Republican Party that believed in low federal spending, small government, and isolationism is all but dead. I voted for the Libertarian Party in the last election because I could not force myself to vote for either the Democratic or Republican candidates for the Presidency.

 

ox·y·mo·ron (plural ox·y·mo·ra or ox·y·mo·rons)

expression with contradictory words: a phrase in which two words of contradictory meaning are used together for special effect, e.g. "wise fool" or "legal murder"

 

Common Sense Conservatism is a trick to make people believe something that is impossible. They attach the words "Common Sense" as if that makes Conservatism more legitimate.

Other examples of this trick include: man-purse, lotion for men, military intelligence, etc.

 

compassionate conservatism