[Prudence]

My family is mostly conservative, but conservative in ways that aren't reflected by the current "conservative" party. Some perceive Republicans as fiscally irresponsible and too concerned with monitoring what people do (my dad). My grandparents refused to vote for Reagan because he was divorced and they considered that immoral. While my assessments of morality and fiscal soundness might differ from theirs, those concepts play a big role in how I evaluate current political issues.

My mom is another major influence. It might seem obvious to some, but I still remember realizing that one didn't have to hold a party line - that you didn't have to be "a Republican" or "a Democrat" come hell or high water. My mom had been fairly conservative, but she has this well-concealed bra-burning liberal streak when it comes to issues that might appeal to the bra-burning liberals.

So, a generous portion of Protestant work ethic, as filtered through the family farm perspective, a good amount of "people who don't know what it's like to be me shouldn't be able to tell me what I can and can't do about things that are none of their business", equal portions compassion and skepticism, a dash of "consider the long-term ramifications",and all topped off with a dash of tinfoil hat paranoia.