As a global stereotype, I agree that conservative doesn't mean that. But it's what the conservative side of the line in the USA wants. The republicans are anti-

As a global stereotype, I agree that conservative doesn't mean that. But it's what the conservative side of the line in the USA wants. The republicans are anti-gay marriage, for example. (Not that the democrats are that much better...) And neither party is fiscally conservative - they just give welfare to different groups. The unfortunate reality of first-past-the-post elections means "god botherers" vs "gun grabbers" is a more apt description than any that touches on the more-nuanced feelings of anyone who votes for whatever they consider to be the lesser of the two evils. You have nuanced views - your USA party of choice does not.