Hi, Doug!

Actually, you almost have to reverse the dictionary definitions of "conservative" and "liberal" to apply them to today's politics.

The mainstream of the American electorate has always lived their lives by conservative values.  They may not have always voted that way, but the fact is that most Americans believe in a strong national defense, limited government and personal responsibility...all conservative principles.

I personally was a Reagan Democrat.  I grew up in a working class family with one sister and three brothers, my father was in the IBEW (electrical worker's union) and we were taught that we had to work for what we had.  I believe that the decline of the Democrat party began with LBJ's "Great Society" programs in the "war on poverty".  Forty years and who knows how many trillions of dollars later, we're still dealing with poverty...but I digress.

Not so sure I agree with you about Goldwater, Doug.  He was more of a libertarian on the issues you cited. 

You have to be careful about being "middle of the road", Doug.  You run the risk of getting run over. LOL.

Regards,
Scott