People ask me this question all the time - why are you a conservative? People say I'm 'too young' to be a conservative (I'm 28), and that conservatism is only for old rich guys. But there are several things that shaped my opinion and my view of this country so I'm going to outline my journey to the belief in freedom over tyranny.

I was raised by a single parent - my dad. Growing up he did not take any government assistance, not even child support from my mom. He worked at a feedmill and raised his son the best he could, took me to Sunday school and church every Sunday, and went to every sporting event I was in. He is an amazing man and I've looked to him as a template of the man that I want to be. Growing up in the church and around my dad, I learned the values of personal responsibility and your obligations to God.

When I went to college, I was broke, as was every other college student. I was working my way through college, and as luck had it, the semester rolled around and I had no money for books. Now my dad was not big on handing out money, so for me to come to him was a measure of desperation. So I went to him saying, "Dad, I need money for books. I'm broke." His response - "Sorry son, I can't help you out, you're going to have to figure something out. " Not what I wanted to hear. However, I managed a B and a C that summer with no books. That moment taught me that I need to depend on myself and my own ingenuity to get by. It's liberating to know that you don't have a safety net, that your decisions drive your future. What happens to me is because of me and my actions. It's a hard lesson to learn, but extremely valuable. That's control. That's freedom.

Now that I have a good job, a wife, a two year old daughter, and a mortgage, the ideology of Conservatism is even more important. This time it's about self-preservation. I work hard for my family and I feel my family deserves the fruits of my labor, not an overbearing government that has no clue as to the needs and desires of my household. I want government to protect my property and the rights granted to me under the Constitution, not steal them from me. My family comes first, and that's why I believe in a philosophy that allows me to give the most to them, instead of feeding off the scraps that the government lets me keep.

Lastly, my faith makes me Conservative. I do believe that God made us accountable to one power - Him. He did say to respect our law makers, however I see them moving this country away from God at an alarming rate. Under those situations, we as Christians have a responsibility to try to correct our mislead legislators. This country was based on faith and the left is demonizing anyone that represents Christianity - screaming that we are intolerant and publicly crucifying anyone that does not fall in line with their progressive thinking. I support everyone's right to practice whatever religion they wish. I demand the same from them. Regardless of your faith, Conservatism respects your right to practice it, while the alternative actively seeks to destroy and belittle certain faiths depending on its popularity in Hollywood.

Conservatism is the true path to freedom in this country. Conservatism keeps the power in the peoples' hands, and makes government work for us, not vice versa. Conservatism frees people to make their own decisions in life, from college to healthcare to saving for retirement. This is empowerment. This is liberty. Conservatism is the blueprint for a country that I want my daughter to grow up in, a land where she knows there are no other factors preventing her from greatness other than her own ambition and efforts. These are the ideals that this country was founded on. This is why I am a Conservative.

Alan Pitts

Jarrod,

This is a great post and right on the money, thank you! I truly believe that if we conservatives tell our story, the people will relate. We are selling freedom while the other side is selling slavery.

Thanks again,

Alan

Alan Pitts 490 days ago