Conservative

What should define "conservative" with respect to government? I consider knowledge of the principles that underlay the original US Constitution and first twelve amendments as most important. The Federal government should be small, concerned with defense, maintaining cooperation between the States, and foreign countries. The Seventeenth Amendment should be removed, and State legislatures should be able to dismiss Senators who don't represent their State's government.

The majority of government should exist at local and State level. All men (and women) are created equal in their Rights under the law. Government can only assure equality of opportunity, but not of success in life. We have an obligation to our Creator to treat all people with respect and kindness, unless they obviously create a threat to our lives or property.

All levels of government must properly enforce the laws, and defend the borders of the country! A "conservative" recognizes their personal responsibility to help others cannot be transferred to the government.

Both individuals and government should be fiscally responsible. Obviously the Federal Government (include some States, counties, and cities) is not. Government would become more responsible if money needed to avoid increased debt would be collected from the salaries of government employees!

The "American Dream" is not provided by government regulations and handouts, but comes from personal freedom from government, and hard work. The personal self-satisfaction and pride created by success is the "American Dream."

Thomas Fancher

Moses Lake