In the true and individualistic spirit of a self-made, free market capitalistic pig-dog, I am starting (right now) a weekly collection of quotes from various conservative figures, both modern and historical, with no regard to what the welfare-dependent socialists up top think about it.  After all, I'm rich, influential, and unethical enough to buy out this company, aren't I?  This will veer in and out of seriousness and satire, as well as in and out of praise and criticism for the conservative viewpoint and the representatives of conservatives throughout history.  The manner it's done in will be scatterbrained and confusing.  

I classify conservative using a blend between today's standards and the relativity of the person's stances in their own contemporary time.  Conservative does not necessarily mean Republican.  Here we go, you deluded, frightened Reaganites,  you.  

"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or timid."-Dwight D. Eisenhower

Liberal as I actually am, I've still always admired Eisenhower(or liked Ike) for his overall air of philosophical intelligence, particularly for his surprising farewell address which warned of an excessive military industrial complex.  In this objective axiom, he captures a truth which has applied to societies throughout all of history, from the simplest to the most complex forms of organized government.  Intentionally or not, Ike also falls into his pattern of warning the masses of tyrannical influences, implying that the care of freedom is typically entrusted to the strong and convicted.  Which is dangerous, because it allows for those who are completely psychotic, yet charismatic, manipulative, and strong, to gain and retain power.  Cliche example: Hitler.  Another: Castro, and another: Stalin.  America hasn't faced the trial of anyone quite so psychotic holding its reins, but it does fall into the pattern of electing the charismatic, strong-willed candidate, whether or not it is wise to do so.  Who knows when that method could lead to domestic disaster?

"Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done." -George W. Bush

One of my biggest issues with conservatism (and American belief in general, liberals not excepted) is the idea of "justice" that many of its leaders and followers have promoted over the years, specifically in this last administration.  Ignoring Iraq's lack of involvement in the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the concept of "justice" is still a social, unscientific motivation on which all legal systems are based.  Naturally, of course; what else is there to base the "justice system" on but justice?  However, when the idea of justice creeps into the speeches of conservative warhawks, it becomes a clarion call for warfare, justified or not.  In a mindset reminiscent of the time I smeared peanut butter on the face of a kid who threw my chicken nuggets across the lunchroom during elementary school, whenever we are wronged, globally or domestically, we become offended and furious.  Our collective American ego bulges with rage, and we demand the chance to defend it.  And so we proceed to do our own wrongs on said enemy, in order to instate "justice".  And our wrongs are sometimes far more severe.

Ironically, conservatism often coincides very closely (politically speaking) with Christianity, which essentially denounces the concept of "justice" for the sake of "forgiveness", a concept which we often fail to apply.  I suppose "forgiveness" just isn't much of a rally word.

"I stand by this man because he stands for things. Not only for things, he stands on things. Things like aircraft carriers, and rubble, and recently flooded city squares. And that sends a strong message that no matter what happens to America she will always rebound with the most powerfully staged photo-ops in the world." -Stephen Colbert (in character, during presidency of George W. Bush

Tying in to the Eisenhower quote above, this is another example of how absolutely empty political gestures can be passed off as relevant and positive and actually shift the image of any given politician.  Don't pay attention to photo-ops, manipulated statistics, or speeches laden with logical fallacies and non-arguments.  Educate yourself. 

This is my way of asking if it's cool to do this, and if it isn't, you should all expect a nice, chance encounter with the religious mafia groups with which I'm affiliated, who will do things to you which I will brag about to my friends at Patrick Henry and Liberty College.

Comments on these quotes/my analysis of them?

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