meritocrat

Is there any clear defintion of what this strand of conservative thought and belief is?

When 'Dubya' was running for office in 2000, it was often stated that compassionate conservatism was a belief Bush held. From what I understand, it means that 'compassionate conservatives' seek to help the vulnerable or poorer elements of society. How exactly?

Arken

I believe the belief can be defined as 'same as regular old ultra-right wing conservative christian beliefs but with the name changed to make it sound nicer.'

ex-idaho

So called "compassionate conservatives" find things like denying welfare and medicare for the poor and needy as compassionate. The logic behind it is if we take away the safety net they will be forced to make it on their own therefore gaining self respect and self reliance. This sink or swim mentality shouldn't be foreign to a guy with a handle like "meritocrat".

meritocrat

Well I wouldn't agree since that what you describe is not meritocracy.

ex-idaho

How so? The basic conservative premise behind this so called "compassion" is you get what you earn.

LeftCoast

Compassionate Conservatism => "I'm sorry you lost your job!"

B. H. Manners

Personally, I go for the compassionate leftist label myself.

Hubble head

Compassionate Conservatism = Oxymoronic republican disguise for "Screw you pal, get a job. Oh, no jobs in your field? So sorry -go live with your mother and work at Wal Mart."

Hubble head

Didn't see yours before I posted - could also add "Com'mon, we already hired some minorities to keep the place clean"

Arken

Yep. It also means, "We don't hate minorities. Look at the articulate black man and the well-spoken black woman we have working for us!"