...On Principles

In public debates, albeit politics or religion or economics, most disagreements lay in the core principles that those individuals carry within them. At the foundation is where the problems occur, where emotionalism sprouts, where anger is lashed out. Democrats and Republicans, Catholics and Protestants. You certainly can name others, but the conflict between them will begin at the core principles though the actually debates are usually fought high up in the ether. A misunderstanding or assumptions of the other side's principles is where the problems lie. For example I have heard both Republicans and Democrats say in private conversation (when they didn't know me very well and assumed I agreed with them) that so and sos are illogical and emotional and won't change their minds so I don't even try to reason with them because they can't be reasoned with. A lot of this frustration comes from a misunderstanding of principles.

Granted many people do not really understand their own principles or their opponents usually attack them for not understanding their own principles. Or they accuse them of being outright mistaken (mainly because their principles vary.) This attack can often be effective in a short run debate because most people do not actively research their own principles or cannot convey them in an articulate manner. If both opponents do know their core principles there will never be a conclusion of the argument that is satisfactory to both parties. If each side is logical and rock solid in their beliefs you will not change them. This can become infuriating if one person's sole goal is to bring that person over to the "good" side.

For any commentator on society, whether it be in the form of a blog or other medium, they will be challenged. And that can be positive as long as it is constructive. But I find it easier to lay out my core beliefs as a reference point and not just for my readers but for myself. One it is a good review for me, but it also lets others know that I have in fact thought about this matter in great detail and I don't take it lightly.

One does not grow as a human being without critiquing and I welcome it. So the following is my own list of principles. But before I get to that I would like to just state some questions. A person's answer to these questions is a starting point to better understanding your own core beliefs.

• Is an individual capable of freedom?
• Does Liberty exist?
• Do Natural Rights exist or is it a human created myth?
  
• Can man govern themselves?
• Does the group (the majority) have preference over the individual (the minority)?
• Does might make right?
• Are their absolutes?
• Are governments or private institutions more of a threat to people?
  

The list could go on and on but hopefully you get the idea. If two people disagree on these core questions then it is a sure bet they are going to disagree on most things.

My Principles~A Refutation of stereotypes

To be a Conservative in politics does not mean that one is rigid or unfeeling or holding on with the last ounce of strength to a severe and intolerant view of past hierarchies. It is never against change, just against change for the mere sake of change.

Ultimately, to be a conservative in the United States should and must mean those who wish to conserve the principles of the Revolution of 1776—the culmination of liberal ideas & self-evident truths that stepped out of the dreams of the Enlightenment and were born in the crucible of war.

• Protection of our sacred Natural Rights by a just and consented government.
• Limited government based on justice, federalism, and the rule of law.
• The realization of “all men are created equal”—that the government for the people and by the people shall not give favor to one group, sex, or religion at the expense of any other.
• Devotion and protection of a “free” market that encourages enterprise, wealth, and innovation.
• Encouragement of a “republic of letters” to carry forward the principles of liberty, free inquiry, higher liberal education, and the unimpeded search for truth.
• Dedication to a moral and disciplined mind in thought as well as in actions.
• The Protection and Sanctity the Individual and the individual’s freewill within the larger group community.
• And finally, a denouncement of coercion as a means of reform. Education and leading by example shall be the means of change.

These are the ideas of the revolution set down in the Declaration of Independence—the goals I strive and battle for—the ideals of the modern Conservative.

From time to time I hopefully shall elaborate on each of these bullets.