I like to think of myself as conservative these days.
However, in today's media "reactionary" is considered "conservative." It's not.
For example, I strongly believe in tolerance, but not "rights" (outside of the Constitution as interpreted by the SC).
I support the safety net, not out of some vague concept of justice, but because it creates social stability. I would expand it,increase expenditures on infrastructure, research, and education (but not 4 year colleges, I'd make community college free with more vocational training, kids who want to go to 4 year colleges can reduce costs by transferring credits).
I support the Constitution as an imperfect document that has maintained social cohesion over 250 years.
I don't support the SC on the Left or Right expanding the reach of the Constitution by reading their social preferences into it, that's why we have a super-majority amendment process, to ensure that changes that bind future generations are supported by a consensus, not a mere majority.
I support a market economy with private property, but not b/c I think there is some great virtue in "capitalism," but like the Founding Fathers, I believe private property protects against tyranny. But because of the potential for abuse in the private sector, I support strong regulation based on cost-benefit principles.
I believe tradition and manners are important, but tradition must be based on an honest reading of the past, not myths, either of "American Exceptionalism" or "American Sin." The past must be taken on its own terms, and not judged by 21st century mores and prejudice - "the past is a foreign country, they do things differently there." Manners means respecting those who are different, but goes both ways, a gay parade that's acceptable in SF is out of place in Grand Rapids.
I support a VAT and/or carbon tax,because while we need to reduce great accumulation of wealth (start with eliminating stepped up basis for capital gains at death and curtailing the use of trusts to avoid taxes, etc.), we also need everyone to have skin in the game.
I support mandatory public service, whether in the military or alternative service for 2 years at 18.