Misplaced Blame and A Power Play

I am not sure if I am more confused than when I started it. And I am a history buff.

As a country engineer in Mississippi, I just thought I was a Conservative (small federal government, no federal social programs, low taxes, strong military, adherence to the Constitution, and honesty in government).

I wasn't the one who started all these distinctions. I thought I was conservative when I wanted government off my back, but apparently I am an "economic conservative", and because I think defense may involve attacking hostile nations, I am a dreaded "neo-con" too.

I really think the distinction between social and economic conservatives is overblown, though some social conservatives are too big government for me, insisting on some variety of censorship.

The paleo-cons on the other hand, I don't consider conservative,s as they are almost liberal in their insistence on protectionism. They seem to think being socially conservative excuses all their insane economic theories and conspiratorial fears.

If I weren't afraid of avenging social conservatives tearing into me, I would say the only conservatives are those who want the least government possible, but social conservatives would argue I am limiting the definition to "only economic conservatives". And I am afraid I would then include insane Ron Paul like isolationists, and I can't buy into that "you never can use the military" argument...

So, guess maybe there is something to all the definitions. Though I think some people claim they are conservatives who really don't fit the definition.