Conservative applys to a spectrum of view points. The Libertarian perspective emphasizes free markets and minimalist government. Contemporary Liberalism hinges more on equality of outcomes than freedom. Social conservatives are sympathetic to free market ideas, but are primarly concerned about the character of individuals in society.
Some social conservatives advocate using the state to directly curb immoral behavior.
Traditional Conservatives recognize the importance of free markets in efficiently producing wealth. However, we also realize that governments must be more that neutral arbiters in a commerical society. The attack on the World Trade Center and on the Pentagon have given our generation a collective purpose higher than personal indulgence. The fact is that journalists in the national media are dominantly Liberal. The question is what effect does this have.