"Conservatism" has become synonymous with cruelty. Their sole remaining economic
concern is how taxes can be even further reduced for the wealthy. That the Draconian reductions already enacted will mean less of just about everything for the common folks does not bother today's "conservatives" in the least.
Less medical care--- less income---less education---less life expectancy---less time to spend with their children---less safety in the workplace---less clean water and air---less DIGNITY---less HOPE!
Today's "conservatives" would laugh at any politician so clueless as to advocate "compassionate conservatism" and consider that notion a "quaint" political slogan that did not work.
Their bedrock goal is what it has always been: powerless cheap labor. Their bedrock concern about any proposal is also what it has always been: "What's in it for me?"
My attitude is--- likewise---what it's always been: "Mean People Suck!"
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Remember, a lot of Republican states receive more federal monies than they pay in. You gotta extract monies from states like CA and NY to give to the AL and MSs of this world.
And to add onto the cruelty, a lot of this money is then diverted into pet construction projects aimed at helping targeted businesses. Nothing like spending millions on road infrastructure development in the boonies in hopes it will attract business to bump-f-ck America. Better than supporting health care, education and other people oriented amenities that would alleviate rural poverty. 
