Conservatism and Libertarianism are ideological allies

I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Pro for his thoughtful argument. Table Of Content Final Rebuttal - Def. Of Conservatism Final Rebuttal - Traditionalism - Why Conservatism is not Traditionalism Final Rebuttal - Argument against Same-Sex Marriage - A libertarian"s explanation Final Rebuttal - Comment on Dr. Regnerus"s Report Principles Underlie Con"s Argument Summary of the Argument Final Rebuttal 1. Def. Of Conservatism A closer examination would reveal that my definition is consistent throughout the debate. In R2, I proffered the following definition: Conservatism is, in general, composed of five distinctive yet complementary principles wit personal liberty celebrated as its core tenet. In response to Pro"s count-argument, I detailed the history behind each principles in the subsequent round. Neither did I propose a new definition, nor did I attempt to conjure any definition without offering any substantial evidence. Historical account is a solid evidence engraved on human civilization. Therefore Pro"s accusation is baseless. 2. Traditionalism - Why Conservatism is not Traditionalism Pro endeavors to define Conservatism within a narrowly tailed definition without success. I exhorted Pro to explain how economic conservatism can be properly explained within his framework, but Pro has yet done so. Not only does Dictionary not agree with Pro"s definition,[1] but also is the definition itself self-defeating. Traditionalism, undeniably, has its own merit on its pragmatic application, but the definition would either too broad or too narrow to qualify for a definition. Pro suggests that traditionalism amounts to "what has worked." The history, however, has shown that socialism type of economic principle, which is overwhelmingly rejected by most conservatives, may also work. New Deal, the economic measures introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) in 1933 is widely deplored by conservatives, even If the New Deal succeeded in reducing unemployment substantially. Medicare, created under President Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ), is the main target in virtually every Republicans proposal to cut federal benefits. Both FDR"s New Deal and LBJ"s Medicare program qualify for Pro"s definition "what has worked." even if neither Presidents" economic principles receive much support among conservatives. Therefore Pro"s definition is not only incomprehensives, but also self-defeating. 3. Argument against Same-Sex Marriage - A libertarian"s explanation It appears to me that Pro would concede that abortion would not separate Conservatism from Libertarianism. Pro remains unconvinced, however, on same-sex marriage. Pro suggests that restrictions on same-sex would impose unnecessary burdens on personal freedom. In the pervious round, I laid out the framework underlying the argument against the same-sex marriage. I attempt to argue that the hostility toward same-sex marriage is originated from view on liberty, not merely the reminiscent of ancient tradition. According to the defender of traditional marriage, the point that they emphasize most heavily is the necessary link between marriage and child-bearing and child-rearing. English philosopher and social critic Bertrand Russell, once famously concluded: "But for children, they would be no need of any institution concerned concerned with sex....It is through children alone that sexual relations become of importance to society, and worthy to be taken cognizance of by a legal institution. I.e., heterosexual marriage.[2] Moreover, only opposite-sex unions can produce viable offsprings, and it is therefore better that children be born into a stable union that only opposite-sex marriage can create, and it is marriage that is the foundation of America"s enduring family units, an indispensable element of social tranquility and continuity, in which personal liberty in turns relies on. It is, therefore, proper for the government, to restrict marriage to a man and woman in order to promote children"s general wellbeing. Therefore, it is implausible to consider ban on same-marriage a illegitimate exercise of government authority. For a libertarian, he or she may well support opposite-sex marriage precisely because of his or her concerns about personal liberty. In conclusion, libertarianism may well embrace conservative social value, thereby suggesting that both ideologies are very much alike. Comment on Dr. Regnerus"s Report Dr. Regnerus lays out the purpose of his research. He states: "most contemporary studies of gay parenting processes have focused on the present - what is going on inside the household when children are still under parental care....Studies on family structure, however, serve scholars and family practitioners best when they span into adulthood....The NFSS (the report) is poised to address this question." He also cautiously warns the limits of the report: "while the NFSS is not the answer to all of this domain"s methodological challenges, it is a notable contribution in important way." Therefore, the report has its merit and it can contribute to the proposition that children, reared by same-sex parents may be in disadvantage (outperformed) compared to children born in traditional family structure. 5. Principles Underline Con"s Argument There is an unspoken principle underlying my argument. I consider that for any two ideologies, if both derive their legitimacy from an identical source with a preeminent emphasis placed upon a singular value, they should be treated as ideological allies as long as the alleged differences can be reasonably explained in both ideologies. My principle is an extension to the definition of "ideological ally" defined in R1. 6. Summary of the Argument In this debate, Pro and I attempt to argue if Conservatism and Libertarianism are ideological allies. As Con, I strive to establish that both ideologies are grounded on the abiding principles of America liberty, proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence and promulgated by the United States Constitution. In addition, I argue, under the auspice of historical facts, that Conservatism is composed of five principles including free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American value, and a strong national defense. Furthermore, I contend that Conservatism is liberty centered given the fact that the Declaration of Independence pronounces the U.S. as a land of freedom. I then proceed to define Libertarianism as a belief that each person has the right to live his/her life as he/she choses as long as he/she respects the equal right of others. Subsequently, I assert that Conservatism is not unlike Libertarianism in terms of their social views on abortion and same sex marriage. Finally I manage to establish that a strong national defense, favored by most conservatives, is necessary to the protection of one"s liberty. In summary, I attempt to establish that there are no compelling differences that would possibly separate Conservatism from Libertarianism, thereby concluding that Conservatism and Libertarianism are ideologies allies. Thank you 7. References [1]. http://oxforddictionaries.com... [2]. www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=1797