The fundamentals of conservative thought

The political campaign season and financial crisis give us all good reason to seriously consider the fundamental differences between conservative and liberal ideologies.

I believe the following are consistent with conservative thought:

1. You shouldn't have to compromise your principles.

2. You shouldn't rely on government to do your charity work for you.

3. Individuals make better and more efficient decisions and have a bigger impact if they are in charge of their own money.

Will a bureaucrat in Washington, bought by special interest money, better spend your money than you could to help yourself and others?

4. Without personal and societal morality and responsibility, capitalism and charity won't work.

Capitalism and charity are based upon individuals making honest and even sacrificial decisions for the good of others.

The alternative is loss of liberty and socialism. Borrowing from Edmund Burke, the less goodness there is from within, the more must be externally applied.

5. A spiritual change, or change of heart, is ultimately more powerful and effective than an impersonal government handout.

Charity that demands behavioral and spiritual change and is given in the name of a higher power is more effective.

6. The majority of personal and societal ills are rooted in selfishness and poor moral choices, not lack of money. Was the current financial crisis caused by a lack of money?

7. Private morality doesn't work. The effects of poor individual choices eventually break out and spill over into society as a whole.

Individuals who made poor decisions regarding home mortgages probably never intended to hurt anyone. But their poor decisions spread insidiously through the system eventually causing damage worldwide.

Eric Carver

Palatine