[Cosimo]

What's the goal here? To identify the 'core' of Republican thought, and thereby malign it?

Religion is the core of Conservative philosophy. The Republican platform (anti-gay, anti-abortion) comes from these religious values. The heavily religious are found in red states, of course, and are not generally recipients of government handouts, and so also oppose the welfare state. Politicians that align themselves with the Republican party pander to this market in order to maintain the power and perks of office.

Socialism is the core of Liberal philosophy. The Democratic platform (statism, environmentalism) is a direct result. Those with victim complexes or who wish to prove their superior social values support this party because, again, those politicians pander to thier special interests.

Politically I'm a Capitalist, by which I mean that natural rights are the source of proper government. From that perspective I say that sometimes Liberals get things right (such as women's sufferage and anti-segregation); at other times Conservatives get things right (smaller government). Generally, both Republicans and Democrats are tards.

:P