McCain is the GOP nominee... Time for Conservatives to Rally

From time to time I attempt to define what being a conservative means to me... most noticeably I had changed the title of the blog from "Conservative Issues, Conservative Guy" to "The New Conservative"... The reason for the change was articulated in a blog, but I continue to think about what it truly means to be a conservative... what do I believe, what do I fight for... what am I willing to lay down my life to protect? But not only me... what is it that defines a conservative in today's world? What values are constant... what IS the "human element"?

The human element is what I like to define as "the pinch"... the feeling we all have in the pit of our stomach that defines right versus wrong... some feel the pinch before actions, some during... others after - also known as remorse or guilt. The human element is what defines us, what sets us apart... but what obligates us to be protectors of those that are lesser. This is "new conservative" - Knowing the difference between right and wrong, and choosing what is right.

And now the GOP passes the torch to John McCain... the political machine of the GOP will continue to march along... but it is up to us to rally, to continue the struggle... to ensure that conservative principles are not lost in 2008.

In the next 4 years, we as Americans will define "Personhood" and "Marriage"

In the next 4 years, we will face Constitutional crisis regarding liberties and the role of the Federal Government.

In the next 4 years, we will be forced to choose between free market or government controls.

In the next 4 years we will have many challenges... we will have many struggles... we will have many battles. We will have to keep the momentum alive, ensure the fire that burns in our belly now continues as we keep the shiny beacon of hope alive for this nation.

In the next 4 years we must continue to do what is right... what is just... what is reasonable.

But the battle over the next 4 years is going to be made infinitely harder if we do not let reason and logic guide our way in November. We need to rally behind McCain...though it fills me with conflict to admit, McCain is the best chance for the next 4 years...

Let us reason together...