This is a serious question (though it sounds like a snarky joke...)

[NRaleighLiberal]

Do convervatives provide any benefit? Does conservatism have any value?

Except to and for themselves, it seems.

I am serious...was speaking to an equally frustrated friend today, and we couldn't come up with anything tangible. Conservatives - well, conserve. They conserve their money (some would say hoard). They conserve the status quo - they don't like progress or change (but are happy to use whatever comes from the effort for their own personal gain). They also like to conserve the status quo because they are fearful of losing whatever authority that they have, or any control over their beliefs.

So, I just can't see it, and don't get it. Unless it is simply to provide balance, to provide the other point of view and position.

Am I missing something here? Do conservatives actually add benefits that I just can't perceive?

[Lerkfish]

1. much as I'm loathe to admit it, TRUE conservatives do have value in the system

note that I"m not referring to batshit crazy neocons... but true fiscal conservatives do provide a much needed checks and balance to govt. spending and excess, but unfortunately, they have not held sway in the republican party since goldwater.

[DrDan]

2. of course they do

fiscal conservatives, imho, offer a legitimate point-of-view. as do social conservatives. The problems come from the current batch trying to force their conservative views on others. I am comfortable in allowing them to live their personal values. I just expect the same.

[lyonn]

3. Humm, being a former repub it is hard to see a value

in their party line. Their biggie is lowering taxes. That seems to be it. I once believed in trickle down economy. That was a joke. Sooo, you and your friend asked a legitimate question.

[pennylane100]

4. I think is is a question of labels.

I like to think I am a semi-socialist but I hold some conservative views on personal responsibility and
crime and punishment. I think that we should not reward (pay welfare) to people who are not prepared to help themselves (unless it is impossible for them, physically or emotionally, to do so). But I also believe it is acceptable to take money from the rich (progressive taxes) to care for the rest of us.

It is very hard to for most people to give themselves a label, maybe that is true for Conservatives also.

[NRaleighLiberal]

5. Some good food for thought - thanks, folks, for treating this seriously! Keep em coming!

[moondust]

6. Anybody to the right of the Conservadems

is useless at best.

[Yupster]

7. I think you need both sides

You need the one side looking for progress and change and you need the other side looking a tradition and cost.

I don't think we'd be better with just one party -- either one.