Why Am I a Conservative?

I have a lot of deeply held conservative beliefs but I'm not always the best at communicating them.

This blog is an opportunity for me to put my thoughts in writing...and hopefully in the process influence others to think about their views.

I think there are so many people out there who don't pay attention to what's going on. They hear soundbytes from the media and that's the extent of their analysis of political issues. The problem is the media is hugely biased and more often than not these soundbytes are not indicative of reality. I think if more people paid attention, then more people would be conservative.

Why am I a conservative? Here are a few reasons:

1) I believe in personal responsibility.

2) I believe in strong national defense and policies that protect our interests worldwide and our sovereignty at home.

3) I believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, and that strong families are the critical building block of thriving communities and our strength as a nation.

4) I believe in school choice.

5) As a former middle school teacher, I believe that teacher's unions are impediments to positive change in our education system. School administrators need to be able to run their districts and schools like a business with the ability to hire good teachers and fire bad ones. The unions protect ineffective teachers and administrators.

6) I believe in the sanctity of life. I believe that women have the right to choose--the right to choose whether or not to have sex. If that choice results in pregnancy, then they must take responsibility for their choice. Abortion on demand is not only wrong, it is detrimental to society.

7) I believe in taking care of those who can't take care of themselves...those who are handicapped or disabled, those who have psychological problems. Offerings handouts to those who are capable only results in laziness and dependence rather than empowerment.

8) I believe that excellent medical care is a privilege, not a right, and that limiting liability for physicians who face frivolous lawsuits is an important step towards reducing healthcare costs.

9) I believe that government is inherently inefficient and should be limited.

10) I believe in a tax code that doesn't de-incentivize achievers.

11) I believe it's important to maximize our natural resources and pursue alternative energy in a responsible manner. We should be tapping our own oil reserves and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

12) I believe that nuclear energy is important for our country.

13) I believe that businesses shouldn't face unreasonable red tape and government interference.

14) When it comes to the United Nations, I believe that we must always protect our autonomy to act in the best interest of the citizens of the United States.

15) I believe that the anti-war movement of the 60's that continues today is fueled by Marxist philosophies that are a serious threat to the individual freedoms we enjoy in this country.

To name a few...