I consider myself conservative for a number of reasons: first, I believe that largely-unfettered capitalism/free-market economy is the best system possible under current circumstances - where the self-centered desires of the rich can produce (even unintentionally) tangible benefits for all. That said, I have come in recent years to regard unions as being a necessary counterbalance to the avarice of capitalists (although I believe that they have been somewhat misused). Second, I have no faith in the ability of the few (i.e. the intelectual "elite") to come up with real working solutions to the problems we face. That is to say I believe that only by allowing billions of individuals freedom to make their own decisions (and serve their own interests), will the world improve, and NOT THROUGH CENTRAL PLANNING. The Soviet Union was a perfect illustration of the abject failure of central planning (i.e. communism/socialism/statism). Third, I believe we need to learn from the successes and failures of those who went before us - if cultural institutions and norms have survived for thousands of years why should our generation throw them away as worthless things? Two such norms about which I have particularly strong feelings are the ideas of the sanctity of marriage and the sanctity of life. Fourth, I have a lurking fear that attempts to found a "world government" will end up being coercive in the extreme. The NATO (read American/British) action against Serbia is an example of this. I do believe that we will have a single world government at some point in the future - when He comes whose right it is to rule.

I feel no inconsistency in my religious and political beliefs and my enjoyment of folk music. If I enjoy traditional instruments and traditional music, why shouldn't I also enjoy traditional values and traditional philosophies?

I too had begun to despair that I was the only conservative Mudcateer. I'm glad to see that I'm not all alone.

For the record I am male, 43, of Northern European/British Isles extraction, and Latter-Day Saint (Mormon).