Originally Posted by PursuitOfHappinessParty

It appear the MSM, citizens, and government officials use whatever definition suits themselves best, as in all things American.

To me?

Conservatism is conservative to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Abuses and contradictions are not to be allowed. This leaves my conservatism to mean:

1) Minimal government impact on citizens and their businesses.
2) Fiscal responsibility by the government.
3) Maximizing citizen rights.
4) Direct following of the will of the citizens, true citizen representation.

Conservatism thus allows for healthy business practices, balanced governmental budgets, eradication of vice laws, serious criminal prosecution, corporation warriness, strong but not insane military allowances, sane foreign policy, sane budgets, and the like.

A conservative government would then be able to protect the citizen and citizens plural from each other, foreign influences, and corporations (monopolies and my newest leastest buddy mega-corporations), as well as the ecology. True conservatism protects citizens and their money, not pandering to special interest corporations.