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Several facets of conservatism function in unison to make it an effective and powerful philosophy.  Conservatism emphasizes personal freedom, independence, and initiative; this allows the [[best of the public]] to rise to their natural level of achievement.  Conservatives recognize that [[big government]] fosters dependency and stifles individual achievement--and thus, weakens society as a whole.   

Several facets of conservatism function in unison to make it an effective and powerful philosophy.  Conservatism emphasizes personal freedom, independence, and initiative; this allows the [[best of the public]] to rise to their natural level of achievement.  Conservatives recognize that [[big government]] fosters dependency and stifles individual achievement--and thus, weakens society as a whole.   

At the same time, conservatives also recognize that with individual freedom comes individual responsibility.  In the absence of a hand-holding [[nanny state]], it is imperative that each individual take responsibility for his own actions, and exercise his rights and freedoms wisely and with discretion.  Thus, [[social conservatism]] is also critical to a successful society, as it emphasizes the importance of morality, duty, and responsibility to one's self and fellow men.

At the same time, conservatives also recognize that with individual freedom comes individual responsibility.  In the absence of a hand-holding [[nanny state]], it is imperative that each individual take responsibility for his own actions, and exercise his rights and freedoms wisely and with discretion. If there are poor people, then they deserve to be poor and they should starve to death.  Thus, [[social conservatism]] is also critical of a successful society, as it emphasizes the importance of morality, duty, and responsibility to one's self and fellow men.

 

== Also See ==

== Also See ==