redneckgymrat
Experimental Member
It is a conservative view as it is derived from religious fundamentalism which by definition is conservative.
Religious conservatism is only a subset of general conservatism.
One need not be religious to be a conservative, nor do all conservatives support proposals based on religion. In fact, most conservatives hold, very dear, the principle that religious views should be independent and separate from policy.
Let me give you a practical example, based on my own views.
I am very much against the use of abortion, in most cases, as I do genuinely believe that life begins at conception. I don't want to debate this, or derail the thread...this is only for the purpose of illustration. But yes, I am *VERY* pro-life.
Yet, despite my my very strong views, I happily concede that abortion is a valid medical procedure which *is* occasionally needed. Notice my use of the word occasionally. My view says that it shouldn't be used for morning after birth control...but that in cases, such as ectopic pregnancy, the procedure should be available, to be used in a proper way. And yes, I believe that it's *not* just an issue for the mother...since it's not a tissue mass, but a baby, I do believe that the child's rights must also be considered.
Simply put, my view is that abortion is usually bad. My *policy* decision, though, would be that abortion should be legal...and perhaps that women could be encouraged to keep the babies. (I think that's what the ultrasound thing is about...show them the baby they're about to kill. But, again, heavy handed and inappropriate, in practice.)
You see, just because I don't like something, that doesn't mean that I believe it should be rendered illegal. This is a fairly consistent view, shared by many on the conservative side of the debate.
Mr Santorum's views on pornography are based on, and colored by, his own religion. And that's fine. Our religious beliefs *should* influence and impact our lives. But making it a plank in his platform was a poor choice.
If he wanted to frame it as the exploitation of young people, or that it's not *actually* victimless, etc, that would be different...but politically, framing it as he did, is quite a bad idea.
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