I have conservative values. Let me tell you about some of them.

I believe traditional farming should be nurtured and preserved. There isn’t a feeling quite like the one a man gets when he tills his own soil. Gets his hands in his own dirt. Raises his own food. I am extremely disturbed to learn most of my food comes at the end of a long process of land-rape, energy consumption, and stomach-turning acts committed on those once-living residents of my plate.

I believe in the necessity of traditional values. Values that took shape when humans first evolved from our ape ancestors. Values that took shape when we first joined forces to defend ourselves from wild animals and from each other. Values of kindness and bravery. Values of strength and teamwork. Values of dedication and love.

I believe in the value of the human mind. To shun the qualities of intelligence, creativity, and budding genius is to shun the very quality that separates us from the beasts.

And most importantly, I believe in the necessity of CONSERVING the planet. Just as I prefer seeing a better life for my fellow man and woman, I prefer to see it done with a regard for the things that make all life possible here on the planet.

There are a number of other conservative values that I don’t support and don’t define who I am. Many of the values I don’t hold are the ones that somehow define conservatism today.

Marriage? Come on, the entire country is threatening to divide itself over this? The commitment of one person in writing and spirit to another person? Prove to me beyond a reasonable doubt that someone will be a terrible influence on children or society simply by marrying someone they fancy. Unless you can do that, I’m going to say it’s cool for that person to marry that someone.

Abortion? I’m offended this issue is so framed in black and white these days. Pregnancy termination isn’t a fun affair for anyone involved. I’m for a woman’s right to legally make the hardest decision of her life.

Judeo-Christian values as a basis for government? I’m sorry, but I live in America, not Iran.

No taxation? Ever wonder what societies that don’t collect taxes look like? Don’t worry if you haven’t. There’s one defining quality of them. They aren’t societies. They’re villages. And since I don’t live in a village, but one of the most populous, complex nations on earth, I damn well want good roads, law enforcement, emergency services, and good, free learning for the young tykes who are going to be writing my future when I’m older. And I don’t mind helping to foot the bill.

That’s a thought on conservative values. I don’t think I’m alone.