ScoobyDoo
NPC
Re: Obama V: For Vendetta
You've got my vote.
Which is why those of us with "true" conservative/leaning-toward-libertarian views are disgusted that these things are done under the banner of "the right." I consider myself conservative, and hold the following views:
1) No displays of religion on government property or funded by the government. No prayer in schools, etc - limits the government's power to influence people's religious views.
2) Pro choice. Limit the government's power to interfere with your reproductive decisions.
3) Pro gay marriage. Actually, I think state governments should stop issuing marriage licenses altogether. They should ONLY offer Civil Union Contracts, since that is where government authority should end - it's up to religion to "sanctify" marriage, not the government.
4) Leaning toward legalization of marijuana. Never tried it, don't plan to, and will still continue to think that those who use it are making a stupid decision. But it's their decision, not the government's. The ends just don't justify the means in this case - I don't think society would be noticeably worse off (if at all), and the net swing in government revenue (- the enforcement costs, + major new tax revenue) is completely worth the risk. Any negative consequences that might begin to materialize can be handled through regulation (as with alcohol) instead of criminalization.
I think these (and other similar views) earn me the "right" to claim the mantle of conservatism; I don't feel like a hypocrite at all when I argue for a smaller, less intrusive government, balanced budgets, and lower taxes.
You've got my vote.