Why I Am a Conservative

Our country stands at the threshold of two corridors- new dreams with great accomplishments or mediocrity and the status quo.

The philosophies of lawmakers and other leaders will determine which corridor our country selects. To say that our country is in one of the most crucial times in its history is a drastic understatement.

When I spent ten days in Israel, I witnessed first hand the need for a strong, astute foreign policy as well as a prepared military. President Ronald Reagan implemented ingenious conservative ideals to help end the Cold War, and as our country now faces a war unlike any other, I believe conservative philosophies clearly provide the best means to combat our enemies. I disagree with people who wish to cut defense spending, negotiate with terrorists, and neglect the severity of the threat Islamic extremism poses to our civilization.

It appalls me to hear any politician talk of “doing everything necessary” to protect our country and its citizens, but consistently lack the intestinal fortitude to stomach the unpleasant options that automatically accompany protecting our nation. When any decent and good nation, civilization, people group, etc. is threatened by another nation, group, or organization capable of such harm as what we endured on September 11, 2001, that good nation does not have the luxury of “pleasant options.”

One of the strongest foundations of our society is the establishment and respect for the family. President Reagan once said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” Many great civilizations have begun their downfall when the morals of their citizens began to erode. Today, we can clearly see an attack on the American family, and we must face the fact that the demise of the American family will spell the demise of our country. Therefore, as a conservative I believe it is imperative at this time more now than ever to stand for the values of the traditional American family. It must be protected, and I believe that a conservative political philosophy offers a more favorable platform towards the American family than any other.

In contrast to national opinion polls, my respect for President Bush has grown as he has resolved to tackle issues that others have chosen to neglect, and endeavored to right wrongs that some would have overlooked. To neglect and accept certain problems as the status quo is not a sign of true leadership.

I believe it was brave and bold for the President to advocate Social Security reform. The system needs improvement before an even larger problem exists. Unfortunately, the liberal philosophy on this issue remains the same as it has been regarding many of the President’s policies during his tenure- an attitude of negativity and little foresight. Frankly, I see no future in a policy of pessimism. True conservative philosophy, when implemented selflessly, is optimistic, insightful, and proven.