Is conservatism a flawed and failed government philosophy? “To put conservatism in a bottle with a label is like trying to liquefy the atmosphere. The difficulty arises from the nature of the thing. For conservatism is less a political doctrine than a habit of mind, a mode of feeling, a way of living.”

- R.J.White

I don't think some fiscal conservatism would harm our country. Please don't confuse W. with a conservative. He may have duped the religious right into voting for him, but he has shown little restraint when it comes to spending or making our government larger. These are not the actions of a conservative. Government control - whether it's called “communitarianism,” “compassionate conservatism,” “liberalism,” or anything else - means someone else has the power to run your life.

Since no one but you can know what's best for you, government control can't make your life better. It confiscates what you've earned, reduces your welfare, subjects you to regulations designed for the worst-case person, and gives power and wealth to whoever has the most political influence.

No, we aren't living in an age of “unfettered individualism.” We're living in an era of big government.

That's too bad, because freedom benefits everyone - except for the few people who are hell-bent on running your life for you.

Daniel Noble

Auburn