He over-defines conservatism, in that there are different forms of conservatism, and not all he ascribes can be attributed to all conservatives all the time. Conservatives themselves often vary as to which form of conservatism they currently use, based on their current prerogatives. And some embrace only some parts of conservatism, disliking other parts he includes.
For example, a "religious conservative" is far more concerned with morality and religious respect than is what I call a "secular conservative", who disassociates religion and politics as usually not intersecting for most business, though reserving the right for religion to be involved in politics. That is, they see no reason to introduce religion into an otherwise secular discussion of ordinary government business; but have no objections if a religious point of order is raised.
Another type of conservative not exclusive to these two would be the "libertarian conservative". They may have strict morals, but abhor any government efforts to coerce or improve morality in the public. They just generally abhor most government interference and see government as little more than a necessary evil, best kept at a distance.
Then there is the "business conservative", who is far more interested in keeping a conservative business climate because it is good for business. He truly believes what Calvin Coolidge said, that "The business of America is business." These people can sway from being staunchly conservative to wildly liberal, based on their self-interest.
Yet another type are the "status quo conservatives", who are generally content and want the government to stop dashing madly about changing and adding law after law. They are annoyed by Washington moving in any other direction than pure maintenance of what is. For example, they have not seen proof that 99% of the post-911 legislation has done anything at all; so are aggrieved that it was passed in the first place. Many feel that it could be almost completely undone, and the US would be no less secure.
They are similar to the unnamed conservatives who just want government to go ahead and do its job, and just LEAVE THEM ALONE. They do not want to be disturbed by government at home, or on the job. Substantial in number, the only time they want to hear about the government AT ALL is in time of emergency.
This is far from being an exclusive list--there is a great divergence of opinion among conservatives.
Someone pointed this old thread out to me today. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading your post.
Not arguing with your overall post, but in fairness to Mr. Coolidge, here is his entire oft-misquoted statement.
“It is probable that a press which maintains an intimate touch with the business currents of the nation is likely to be more reliable than it would be if it were a stranger to these influences. After all, the chief business of the American people is business. They are profoundly concerned with buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world.”
President Calvin Coolidge’s address to the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Washington D.C., January 25, 1925.[105]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Coolidge