David,

Conservatism appeals to me because it puts emphasis on having government do for people what they’re unable to do for themselves.  Liberals appear to want to do for people what they can and should do for themselves. 

So what are Conservatives trying to conserve?  I’d like to think we’re about conserving a mindset which places emphasis on self reliance and being there to help those who are truly in need and vulnerable.

Just one last note.  You state, “If nothing happened under that administration, even staying within your narrow terms of national security and military strength, how was it that the military could display such a show of uncontested strength?  It would appear the answer lies within your question.  It was uncontested.  You don’t really think that was a test of our military might do you?

Kevin g