I am a conservative because I believe that:

Human beings are imperfect and cannot be made to be perfect. They can, however, lead meaningful and good lives here, and should be allowed to do so. Thus, civilization requires that human imperfection be reined in and regulated by agreement to do so amongst individuals. The individuals living under such an agreement make up a society. The instrument by the agreement is enforced is called government. The society will be imperfect, and the government will be led by imperfect members of the society. The government must thus pursue at all times a policy of moderation in how it relates to the society. Its role is the provision of peace in which people can go about their business. The government has no purpose other than to defend that peace as it stands: against criminals, invaders, revolution, and its own urge to change society to make it perfect.