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Vanity: Republican Tea Party Debate Impressions
September 13, 2011 | Me

Posted on 09/13/2011 9:51:44 AM PDT by JDW11235

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To: Veritas_et_libertas

Someone who is compassionate and a conservative. I didn’t use the phrase, so I’m not sure. I said we needed someone with a list of qualities, and who is conservative. You could argue that they are one and the same, but it depends on your definition of “Conservative.”

Conservative generally means, holding to the U.S. Constitution, and principles of the Founding Fathers (thus, conserving). The Constitution allows for freedom of choice in a broad array of areas, so one could arguably endeavor to conserve the U.S. constitution and not be a compassionate person. I can think of a few examples of the type of people, but would rather not start an argument. It’s like the Pharisee’s (lawyers) in the New Testament, questioning Jesus Christ about “Who is my neighbor?” Compassion is generally easily seen, but not always simple to define.


41 posted on 09/13/2011 1:08:11 PM PDT by JDW11235 (I think I got it now!)
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To: Veritas_et_libertas

To addend my post (I think you have a legitimate question), I was not calling you a Pharisee, I was comparing how it’s not a simple matter to define, but best illustrated, in my opinion.


42 posted on 09/13/2011 1:10:19 PM PDT by JDW11235 (I think I got it now!)
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To: Veritas_et_libertas

Our foreign policy has nothing to do with it. We are not muslin so they wish to convert (by the sword), enslave or kill us. That is all it is period. They wish to do it to us and any one who is not Islam.


43 posted on 09/13/2011 1:11:01 PM PDT by Ratman83
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To: RockinRight

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I’m not certain why Herman Cain isn’t picking up any momentum, either. I think that there’s a lot of dynamics that are going to play out in this election that will make it unpredictable. It’s just a feeling that I have. I didn’t like Perry’s defense of the Texas “Dream Act,” but he is right, it is a states issue. However, it, to me, says a lot about the character. Essentially “Oh well, they beat the system, so lets make sure they can suceed even further.” That, I don’t care for.


44 posted on 09/13/2011 1:24:24 PM PDT by JDW11235 (I think I got it now!)
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To: JDW11235

Sorry it’s taken so long for me to reply, I just got back in town from my honeymoon.

The reason I asked about what is meant by a “compassionate” conservative is because I have always wondered if it was a kind of euphemism used to describe a conservative politician who agrees with most of the philosophy behind welfare and other redistributive philosophies. At the very least, when a politician refers to himself as a compassionate conservative, it makes me examine their past actions more closely to see if they use the term euphemistically or not. I agree that compassion is important, but does one truly have compassion if one must take from those who have in order to help those in need? (I don’t mean to imply that you think this to be true or otherwise) Or does a government truly show compassion by allowing people the freedom to succeed on their own and the freedom to fail on their own.

Compassion is important from neighbor to neighbor. When someone fails it is important for families, neighbors, churches, private foundations, etc to rise to the occasion and help that person. Individual compassion builds strong communities. But does governmental compassion (in the euphemistic sense - welfare, etc) do the same? (i am in no way saying you agree or disagree with any of this, it is just kinda something to think about when you hear conservative politicians describe themselves as compassionate)

Let me know what you think. Thanks for the previous reply by the way.


45 posted on 09/26/2011 7:04:12 AM PDT by Veritas_et_libertas
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To: Veritas_et_libertas

First off, congradulations on getting married, may you have a full, happy marriage together!

Secondly, I agree with you completely. As sad as it may sound, I have seen the term “Compassionate conservative” tossed around but knew only that that term was used as a pejorative, and have kept my eye out for it to look more closely how it is used, especially here on FR. I’ve seen a lot of references to Baby Bush as being a “Compassionate Conservative” and the TARP etc., etc.

I think you are absolutely correct in the notion that the word “compassionate” has been co-opted. Government, in my opinion, should NEVER be compassionate (or most any other “-ate”), because it’s a concept, but I think the people who hold government offices can most definitely be compassionate. And I most definitely do not equate that with the robbery that goes on for social welfare programs.

In my view a compassionate leader is one who gives of themself, and inspires others to do so. I personally don’t believe that government positions should be paid, but rather voluntary (at least Federally elected offices), but I also understand a reason for it (ie. Those who were poor may never be able to be representatives, etc.), but that’s a whole other conversation.

And to answer this:

“But does governmental compassion (in the euphemistic sense - welfare, etc) do the same?”

NEVER, and it previously was deemed unconstitutional in the past (Ie. with agricultural diseasters), but that seems to have been forgotten.


46 posted on 09/26/2011 11:41:49 AM PDT by JDW11235
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To: JDW11235

Thanks for the warm wishes.

I just want to add that I agree with you about everything and especially like your definition of a compassionate leader: “In my view a compassionate leader is one who gives of themself, and inspires others to do so.”

We most definitely need more of this: fewer selfish politicians and a greater number driven solely by the desire for the well-being of our country.


47 posted on 09/26/2011 5:32:40 PM PDT by Veritas_et_libertas
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