I agree with most everything you have said with some additional thoughts.

Regarding, “But what you are proposing really isn’t something that unites the three main segments of the conservative movement, but rather you are asking them all to lay down something important to them. The gay marriage/abortion thing is big…I’ve had a lot of conversations even within my “circle” who share the same educational/governmental philosophy. ”

I realize that my suggestion is not uniting. I would like to explore how the uniting may occur or what it would look like.

Just as background, I have supported a state amendment defining marriage and I would support a state amendment abolishing abortion. Our Governor (D) however, took it upon himself to go against a measure passed by the people defining marriage as one man and one woman by passing a bill establishing civil unions between same-sex partners. We have a wayward government in our state, but I have to say that the people are getting what they asked for.

Since the gay marriage and abortion things are so big to people, I have to ask “why is it so big” and “what is so big”? Is the issue of federal constitution amendments the big issue, or is the legitimizing of alternative lifestyles and the legalized murder of innocent babies the issues. IF they maintain that there are no compromises (claiming federal constitution amendments are the only solutions), then how will we come together in unity? What does a unified solution look like?

In my view, abortion and gay marriage only impact a small group of Christians. The vast majority of Christians, who adhere to righteous living, are not affected by these issues. Disdainful and evil as they are, again, why are they such big issues? Have the issues been disproportionately prioritized as an effort to be self-righteous? Or are they truly unrighteous behavior leading to the degradation of the body of Christ?

Then we move on to other issues of the 3 legged stool of conservatism, economics and defense.

How do we come together on these other issues also? God calls dishonest money an abomination, just as he calls same-sex relations an abomination, but it seems that God’s people are quick to ignore or deny this. God calls us to love our enemies and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, but yet we use the sword against our enemies. What does a united party look like in these areas also?

I agree with your comment that it begins at home with prayer, devotion and humbling before Jesus Christ, and a turning of our hearts to our Lord. When we step out to discuss conservatism, the political process, governance and the direction of this country, where do we begin? How do we discuss unity and the coming together of conservatives?

Oh yes, I agree with this!
We were Goldwater Republicans in my family, so I’ve had no party for decades, and now almost by surprise I find myself in a new disaffected majority — moderates not much interested in labels or even in “winning” over our fellow Americans, as much as in solving problems for us all. It seems to me both party’s extremes fighting for control and sabotaging each other along with all possible solutions, is the biggest problem we now face. (Which in my view explains why Obama and McCain are attracting so much support.)

Funny that Goldwater was painted by Democrats as so extreme in his time, when today he’d likely sound much too moderate even for many self-proclaimed “conservatives”. More than 25 years ago (1981?) he said:

“There is no more powerful ally one can claim in debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God’s name on one’s behalf should be used sparingly. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent.”

Some other um, refreshingly candid? — Goldwater quotes can be found in his political obituary coverage by the Washington Post, May 1998. (I would add the link but I don’t want to make trouble for Dana’s spam-catcher.)

As Frank Schaeffer said in his recently published memoir, this has a splintering effect. Instead of ending up with strong leaders, who show bravery, who have a unique voice and stand up for their convictions we end up with a President who had the right stance on certain issues enough to get the funding to run for office. Many great people will never be able to run for office due to not ever being able to raise enough money. Many people showing real leadership skills in their regular lives will never be good enough for each party to consider worthy of being the Presidential candidate. “That Republican is too liberal, we don’t like Giuliani’s stance on abortion, that guy cheated on his wife” etc.

This splintering of a person’s opinions down to single issues and weeding out those who don’t meet enough of the right answers on single issues means we possibly lose some great possible candidates. And it means we may end up with a President who has answers we like better than their opponents but who may not end up doing so great in the actual job of President.

But what you are proposing really isn’t something that unites the three main segments of the conservative movement, but rather you are asking them all to lay down something important to them. The gay marriage/abortion thing is big…I’ve had a lot of conversations even within my “circle” who share the same educational/governmental philosophy.

So is perceptions about what will happen in the area of foreign policy. I think I said in our previous conversation that I’d be easier to sway if Paul’s position were against Iraq, but a dedication to not immediately and drastically change our involvement. I do not see the inevitable resulting power vacuum as good for anyone.

The issues are not just personality, nor are they just MSM indoctrination…the MSM doesn’t support either of these aspects of the conservative movement, either.

This race has been interesting because we had three candidates, each with their strengths in a different area of what conservatives tend to look for…and Ron Paul who is something different. People gravitated toward the candidate that best reflected the values they held most dear.

But there has been a lot of apathy since the beginning. There is huge potential there for a true conservative leader. No one stood up to speak to everyone.

Regarding:

“Seriously, though, I think the best course of action is to see what holds us together and what we all can agree with…that three-legged stool Reagan so effectively held together. It isn’t impossible. But it will also take time.”

“The main conservative issues is displayed in three prongs: the social conservatives, the economic conservatives and the strong defense group.”

I agree. But unfortunately, I believe we are splitting in each of these areas not so much based on the desired results, but on the methods to get there:

SOCIAL

In regards to abortion and marriage, Huckabee represents solutions by way of consitutional amendments and greater federal government influence. Where Paul represents limiting influence by the federal judiciary and then encouraging state constitution amendments.

In regards to education, Huckabee represents greater governmental influence. Where Paul again represents limited governmental influence (on all levels).

ECONOMIC

Both men may recognize the economic clilff we are heading towards, but Huckabee believes the government is the solution; whereas Paul believes the government is the problem.

DEFENSE

Both men support strong defense, but Huckabee believes our strength should be used throughout the world; whereas Paul believes it should be used within our borders and restrained throughout the world.

The popular positions have been made pretty clear during this presidential campaign. Holding the stool together is going to be tough especially in light of the dissatisfaction with the past 7 years. A split may be necessary moving Paul type Republicans (including Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc) and conservative Democrats into one party leaving liberal Democrats in another party, and the remaining Republicans in another…? The CR may find themselves torn between the new Republican Party and the remaining Republican Party.

Our hope rests with our Lord Jesus Christ and we are reminded that the US is just a nation and not even the chosen nation of God. I believe God will continue to use this great nation as long as we serve the purposes of our Creator.

I don’t think it is helpful to dismiss them as “sheep.” We have the same values. We have the same goals. And really, we are all sheep. : )

Seriously, though, I think the best course of action is to see what holds us together and what we all can agree with…that three-legged stool Reagan so effectively held together. It isn’t impossible. But it will also take time.

“We need someone who is not just right. If we really want to see a return to conservative principles, we need someone who really is a leader. It has nothing to do with personality, but with the ability to communicate a message, garner support and connect with the values and ideas of government we all share.”

AND

“I think leadership is incredibly important. We need someone who is principled. But he also needs to be able to lead. A leader without principle is dangerous. A principled man without leadership abilities is just a good man standing in a vaccuum.”

I completely agree with the need for a principled man to be able to lead, but unfortunately we don’t have that choice and have not had the choice for years.

I am one who will support men who have the principles first and leadership second (since it is rare to find men who have both). I believe the whole thing surrounding Ron Paul is exciting because finally someone has brought the principles to national awareness. Now all we need to do is find the leader to communicate and champion the principles.

I also agree that it begins locally and I am always looking for opportunities, people and leaders locally who embrace the conservative principles. Unfortunately, the “System” makes it very hard for these people to move into positions of recognition and influence. As we wait for principled leaders and work within the system, the opposition gains ground in opposing conservative principles.

As we discussed regarding the differences between Huckabee and Paul, the conservatives are similarly different. This division is difficult to overcome. But, as you said, we must continue to pray and be vigilant. I believe the current presidential debate has highlighted the division, which is hopefully the first step in bridging the divide.