Howdy Ihateapplesandsalt,

You say:"It's amusing how elastic these 'philosophies' are, I suspect it's because they are marketing tools. "Liberalism" and "Conservatism" may have some kind of precedents and traditions (in some cases these may even show up vaguely in rhetoric and image), but they are largely irrelevant to the contemporary American Scene let alone reality."

I say..sounds like you're one of them thar high-falootin,smug,arrogant,snobby,liberal elitists..that hates to be called a 'liberal'..I could be wrong..if so,I apologize..may I ask..who did you vote for..Bush or Kerry ? Or did ya sit out the election ?

I tell you what..conservatism is a way of life..not a collection of 'precedents and traditions'..it's a whole 'nother way of thinking and living..not just a label.

I find,that it's entirely relevant to contemporary America,it will take all sorts of conservatives,to oppose and defeat,the other way of thinking and living,the liberal mind-set,which has thoroughly embraced the culture of Death..and seeks to turn America,into a third-world,secular country.

Have a good one....