From the Brits...with love

Good to hear you again! I asked this question in reponse to your comment at my place, but it seems to be the heart of the debate among Conservatives like BrianR (absolutists) and myself. Here's what I'm asking all of us. Which do you believe?

1 - Is there a huge silent church going social conservative valued majority that slumbers until someone excites them enough to go to the polls? This is supported by the argument that demographics indicate a majority of Americans are conservative church goers. And W got more popular votes than Reagan, they were excited about him. They crave a strong Pure Conservative candidate. (Did Nader do Gore in though?)

2 - America is mostly independent and moderate. They're apolitical until a week or two before voting day, and vote based on how they "feel" about the candidates, based on what they remember of the sound bites and photo ops that have been assaulting them in the media for months on end. (Did Perot do Bush Sr. in though?)

These are the questions I'm looking into, I appreciate everybodys ideas. I also appreciate honest and civil thoughtfulness about the argument, as we're all in this together. (See BrianR's site).

Thanks for the post

Sorry, but I dont believe that BrianR IS a conservative. The man's hatred (not disagreement or anger) of Bush and all things GOP is right off the Liberal tree.

I've had rip roaring "discussions" with Liberty and his Libertarian comes thru loud and clear. Brian's entire style reminds me of a liberal colleague, right down to his temper tantrum. I resent the time I wasted on him...at least with a Liberal, I knew where he was coming from.

And Dave...I always suspect people who give sanctimoneous reasons to losing...you can be as right as rain but to purposely take a path that will cause you to lose a fight...is an excuse that losers make and shyster use.

I want no part of BrianR. The man and his kind has only hurt the GOP and ultimately America.

1- I don't think they're that "silent", simply busy. Most have zip idea of what is going on in Capital Hill, the World stage, or in another state. In 2000, preachers around the country reminded church goers that it was more important to put a pro-lifer than a born again Christian as many had been burnt by Jimmy Carter's brand of appeasement type Christianity.

I think most Christians are like me in that we don't look toward the government to validate or push our beliefs. Yes, we get upset when Christ is taken out of Christmas and yes, we know that we need to get enough moderate but pro-life people into Congress. And YES, we will even come out whenever politicians try to define marriage. But for the most part, there IS a separation of Church and State, but only because there seems to be less Christians in the State (grin).

2-I agree, most Americans consider themselves Conservatives on some issues and Liberal on others. And perhaps, many might still be apolitical, but Dave, 9/11 DID change things. That's what drives me so crazy. The GOP had it locked up for decades. Most Americans would have gladly supported our efforts in the Middle East if the MSM hadn't insisted that it was hopeless. And most would have continued to support our war time President if the RINO press hadn't JOIN the MSM in bashing him at every turn.
If we lose--and I'm not just talking about the war--everything, you can thank the "REAL CONSERVATIVES" for that.

Sanity, you speak with true sanity, but I'm left puzzled. You claim to be a non-ideologue, yet your views are so truly conservative. More loyal to the GOP than many members, more loyal to the President than many Conservatives. Where do you vent your criticisms of the Administration, I have no doubt you've got some?
I'll admit, I get really, I mean really frustrated when I hear the Social Conservatives threaten to take their toys and go home like spoiled kids. What I'm saying, is many of them don't understand the premise of Politics vs. Philosophy. One is a set of beliefs, the other is a game played to grant power to govern. Political Immaturity is what I'm saying, and maybe I'll just write a post about it. Have a good one.