The times they are a retchin'

There is a difference between being conservative and being right wing.Unfortunately right now the conservatives are losing.


Wasn't the whole purpose of our fore fathers writing the constitution was to get rid of tyranny and nowadays our so called conservatives are handing the country over to an economic oligarchy. 


So what is progressive conservatism in the 21st century?


It isn't more social welfare, it isn't another great society, or more govt interference in our lives, but it isn't handing over our rights to others under the concept of a stronger central govt, it is not letting big business make their own rules, it isn't the idea that more money means more free speech, 


It can be less govt, but more effective govt, it can be holding corporations accountable for their actions so we need less regulatory bodies...think about it; if corporations treat lawsuits as a cost of business how can they be expected to regulate themselves. You can choose more taxes and more govt or you can chose corporate accountability at the highest level. People like making money; they will figure it out.


It can be better and more effective help to the less fortunate, think about the last few years, we kept extending unemployment benefits, but really didn't hold anyone accountable for retraining,,,, less time looking for a job up front and more time learning new skills to fill the jobs available. You can hold people accountable to showing up for training classes while receiving unemployment then finding them jobs  without taking away their rights because they can still look for jobs they want while working in the new career, or eventually they may find success in the new career,,,,,, things like aptitude tests etc for retraining do not infringe on people's rights if they are receiving help from tax payer money.  


Free speech should be open, we don't need lobbyists telling Congress what to do, they should be required to give advice and guidance in open session committee hearings so all can hear and then address their views to Congress.   Free speech is one thing, undue and behind the scenes influence destroys open democracy. 


It is the responsibility of our country to protect individual rights, to not hinder individual success, to stand up and help those in need so they can stand on their own instead of relying on society, and we don't need intrusive govt, but we also don't need a self selected few replacing the rights of people to install their own views for their own benefit.


Our government was set up to protect the rights of people, not to manage people, but in protecting rights it does mean protecting them for all possible harm. Again we were founded on the belief that all humans have rights, and that no one king or power has the right to supercede those rights, but it is our responsibility to protect them, not to hand them over especially due to ignorance or apathy. 


Progressive conservatism now is supporting job growth, economic growth, less government based on more participation by the middle class, equal distribution of taxation, simpler tax laws, it is not social redistribution of wealth,but maintaining the opportunity for people to create wealth for themselves and not be interfered by govt or elements of society not wanting others to succeed.  


There are some so called conservatives that mouth certain ideas,but their actions have a completely different bent.


Oh by the way I hear Gov Perry is running for President,God Save the Constitution, the constitution is dying.