My Belief In Conservatism, Part 2

Since I am a conservative, I believe that a person's destiny comes not through governmental 'entitlements' or handouts, but rather through their own perseverance. For example, I know of a person who held a job for ten years, and was forced out of his job through no fault of his own. Because of this, he lost his place of residence, source of income and the belongings at his residence. He went to the state employment office, seeking assistance in finding a job, any job, commensurate with his experience and previous employment. At the state employment office, the government bureaucrat who was assigned to this individual kept reinforcing the fact to this individual should file for unemployment benefits, negating the fact that this individual did not desire to do so, but rather wanted to obtain a job. After a few weeks of this, this individual chose not to return to the state unemployment office, but rather went to private employment agencies, and within 2 weeks, obtained employment. Naturally, when the state unemployment agency contacted this individual to inquire as to why he hadn't returned or filed unemployment benefits, this individual informed the bureaucrat, in no uncertain terms mind you, that he did not desire their 'services' any longer, because of their inefficiency and lackadaisical attitude towards assisting people to find employment.

That individual was me.

That experience only reinforced my opinion that government programs and bureaucracies are mostly inefficient, self perpetuating, and especially in the market place, a hindrance. I do not believe that many of the government programs currently in place are beneficial to the common weal, because in their most insidious forms, duplicate other governmental programs. This is insane, and a waste of those who actually pay for the government, namely the taxpayers.

As a conservative, I firmly that the government should not be the steward of the American people, but rather the other way around...we must be the stewards of government, be it state, federal, or local. As a conservative, it is incumbent upon me to be well informed on issues that will both effect me personally, and society at large. I do not rest my laurels with the assurances or promises made by an elected official concerning Issues A, B, or C, but as a citizen, I do my homework.

As a conservative, I do not view issues on a purely emotional level like many on the left...to me, it is not about how I 'feel' about an issues, but what are the ramifications if it is passed. For example, education. I am all for strong public schools, being a public school alumni, however I find it most distressing that every year, the schools are requesting, nay, demanding, more money to provide educational programs, and each and every year when this comes up for a vote, I vote 'NO.'

Now, as a conservative, I am not cold hearted as many on the left may think I am, but I am tired of seeing my earnings being thrown into a bottomless pit, and the school system is rarely, if ever, held accountable on how said earnings are spent...because, as you know...'it's for the children!' Well, that very well may be, however as a conservative, I demand transparency on how my money is spent, and accountability. As a conservative, reading, writing, math, civics, discipline and American history must be the paramount courses taught, not how 'global warming' impacts the five spotted midget ground spider!

As a conservative, I deal with facts, hard evidence, and logic. I do not believe in emotionalism, anecdotal evidence, or hysteria to support an issue, neither do I believe that it belongs in the classroom. I care not about self esteem for students. If a student deserves a failing grade, so be it. As a conservative, I know for a fact that life is not, nor ever will be, fair, so the earlier little Johnny and Susie realize that, the better off in the long run they will be.

To be continued...