...but not the drugged out kind. The kind that were high on life and new opportunities. Our neighbor had a VW van with a Peace Symbol painted over the front end, flowers on the side and wore beads, that sort of 60s pancho thing and had a garage band that played new age songs. At the same time folks were keeping their lawns edged religiously and many saw nothing wrong with Nixon. It was a diverse community where tolerance for diversity was present even though underlying principles/morals were valued and adhered to. In some ways it was a contradiction and in other ways one of the few temporary quasi-utopias that sometimes appear by accident.

I was verbally reprimanded far more often than not, and can count the physical punishment incidents on both hands without using all the fingers up. Being liberal and open to new ideas was normal, yet I was raised under old school values with a new age twist that gave them more meaning and a broader understanding.

My "conservative" credentials here are highly overhyped. My social views have roots in the rare form of intelligent liberalism of yesterday which are merged with an appreciation of the American heritage of freedom and economic prosperity that only accompanies a capitalist economic system.

I realize that social liberalism within a nation is ONLY made possible by conservative fiscal, defense and immigration policies. Let any of those latter down and a nation cannot protect its freedoms, celebrate diversity or protect from religious totalitarianism. And make no doubt about it - personal liberties and conservatism are both necessary for the perpetuation of true American prosperity.

That's why my viewpoints are an anathema to the religious right. I'm strong on defense so that religious freedom is preserved. I'm strong on immigration so that prosperity and opportunity for citizens is maintaine - for these things are the pillars of social freedoms. I support abortion, sexual freedom, vouchers, lower taxes and less bureaucracy domestically so that maximum freedom of expression and development of each individual is not just tolerated but encouraged.

In many ways I have always wished more liberals and conservatives would realize the need for this fine balance.