PLEASE, less gov't. interference in citizen's lives. Obama will have us paying into social programs until we have no paycheck left to support ourselves. Unless he and his rich friends are going to pay for his ideas, the American taxpayer will be in for a rude awakening in 2009. US media is biased!

JD, Wasilla, AK., USA

Great thoughts and I'm glad someone is keeping the faith. I hope you're right.

BMS, San Francisco, USA

Thank you. New to the net and new to you.Happy to be freed from the boondocks of the mind. Thank you.

Pearl Barleigh, Westport, USA

The time for American people to focus on what it is going on with the economy is an EYE OPENER.
We have two parties, if the other party is not taking care of our interests then we can vote for the other party that can help us with our daily living problems,such as jobs & housing.

Ellen, Grayslake, IL.

How interesting that you feature the Terri Schiavo case. I would like to vote Republican. But after that appalling circus (and the tragedy of Katrina), I sadly concluded that the Republicans must go. All of them. Now. Forever.

Steve, Massachusetts, USA

My WWII vet conservative Republican step father told me, with tears in his eyes, that the Schiavo case was the beginning of the end of the religious right in politics. He clearly understood the implications of that moment. As a liberal, I was hopeful. Thank you for this thoughtful article.

Linda M, State College, PA, USA

America is great because of it's founding policies. That we are created equal with the right to live our lives as we see fit... my issue w/ the social conservatives is that they firmly believe that I should live my life as they see fit.

Robin, New Rochelle, USA

Thanks much!

Sue

susan schurer, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, USA

Hey bw from Milford, I wouldn't vote for erkle..I mean Nobama...nothing wrong with being conservative, you are probably more than u want to admit...so my vote cancels out your vote...hehehe...to McCain/Palin

Mike M, Sacramento, USA

Please Sarah, graciously step aside and pave the path for the Americans who love you to join the millions of others who know Mitt Romney is the best leader for this time of severe economic crisis.

Jeff, Dallas,

Yeah. It is amazing how the Bush administration whipped up hurricane Katrina to punish all of those democrats in New Orleans. It was probably one of those secret conspiracies Karl Rove made with God.

Social Conservatism will rise again. The pendulum always swings back.

Matt, Corona, USA

I'm a life-long Republican, a social conservative, a non-believer in religion, think government should not be involved in the abortion debate, and strongly believe in giving the unfortunate a helping hand up but not a "lifetime-lifestyle" of living off the taxpayers' largess. There are many of us.

Jer, The South, USA

I don't see this as the Reagan Era, I see this in light of Lyndon Johnson's comments on signing the Civil Rights Act that "We have lost the south for a generation." That was the seed of Social Conservativism and it seems to have lived, flourished, and be well on it's way to dying.

Michael Croft, Austin, United States

An important moment, in addition to the Terry Schaivo case, was of course Hurricane Katrina. One cannot maintain any sense of moral righteousness in the face of such obvious disregard for human life. If you weren't affronted by the Bush Administration yet, Katrina did the trick.

Barbi, Bellingham, USA

"Progressive America" again claims victory to phantom foes. They imagine their foes as idiots and thus easily win their case. Bush never envisioned a Puritanical state. A minority of Americans exercising their constitutional right to worship is no threat to democracy. Nothing has been blocked.

Mark Anderson, Fredericksburg, USA

We all have finally awaken out of the sleep of apathy over here, and that is the motivating force behind what is going on in the US. It's not enough to just waft along not engaged in the process, because it has exacted a very high price, literally, to the world. It's about time.

Steve, illinois,

Al empires eventually fail.The Spanish,the Romans, the English.The USA is on a long slope and will end as has been said about the end of the world,not with a bang but with a whimper.The Europeans seem to be a much happier lot than Americans. One day we will not care anymore about being number one.

LB, wyomissing, USA

Justin's right--progressive America has halted neoconservtive attempts to create the Puritanical state Bush envisioned. The only comforting thought if we Democrats don't make it to Washington this year is that neoconservative proposals will continue to be protested and effectively blocked.

Lisa (Ryan), romeoville, United States

Chim. Granted out trains aren't the best but they are still a whole lot better than Amtrack. A recent journey from Toronto to New York took 13 hours! That is 500 miles. The 400 mile journey from London to Edinburgh takes just over 4 hours. The French TGV would do that journey in 2-3 hours!

Luke, London, UK

Think you make some good points, most Americans have ADD and have probably forgotten the Shiavo case, and what people really felt about it. I am hoping that things will turn around this time so the country can see what governing Democrats can accomplish. And you're right on the progressive trend.

Chris H, Boca Raton, FL, USA

The US of A has a lot to boast about in achievements and is a great country but the constant nationalism is a pain in the neck. The evangelical fundamentalists are no different from the Islamic mullahs. The news media goes on and on about the middle class. I never hear of the lower class. Do you?

Derek, Mebane, USA

As you peer down your nose at America and it's "maturity'', tell me why the trains in your "mature" homeland Britain which I live in do not work; why the transport system in Britain is a shambles with delays and disruptions every single day; why the NHS is a mess; why the UK fears a failed Olympics?

Chim, London,

American social conservatism= Elitism,every man for himself,religious fanaticism and a me me me attitude.
European socialism= A community spirit,caring about one's neighbours and a we're all in it together attitude.

Derek, East Yorkshire uk,

The big problem with the US being "a conservative country" is that the christian taleban are anti-science and the US has a science based economy. The Chinese aren't infected with religion so they will in the end dominate the US, they already own it.

John Small, Faversham, UK

I once commented, "Brits--gotta love 'em." But an Aussie friend replied, "Or hate them." I love the UK & its grandeur. I'm proudly Irish/Welsh & Catholic. Thank God we kicked your limey butts out in 1781 so we could save you in the two world wars. I'd go to war to save you again. You're worth it.

Tom martin, Albuquerque, USA

America, even her harshest critics chose to stay.

patrick Gigliotti, santa Monica, united States

Who cares whether social conservatives are on the increase or not? It's fun laughing at the fundies, but the US is rapidly sliding into irrelevance.

The only important political question to be answered with regard to America is whether the Chinese will bail you out of the mess you're in.

floopmeister, Melbourne,

This is the first election, that I have seen in my lifetime, where the VP candidate of the one party is more qualified that the Presidential candidate of the other. No wonder the libs are terrified.

George Hotaling, Syracuse, USA

For info Justin Webb is a US citizen so this is a self critique. If your mortgage is backed by Fannie or Freddie you now live in state owned housing, large bits of the economy rely on defence spending & federal pork barrel and the banks and largest insurer are state backed. The US is now state run.

W Heywood, Sutton Coldfield,

Barack Obama will loose becasue he is not qualified, he is acting like all the other Elitist polititions and because it is tiem to put a woman in the White house - so Move over Barack - LADIES FIRST.

Lee, Princeton, USA

"In my book Obama isn't even an American. I would never vote for a Democrat of the last 40 years, either. I don't like them.
I grew up with 17 cent gasoline and 25 cent hamburgers. Now the gas has no lead and the hamburgers are shot up with steroids for $12.00. We had "e-mail" with Western Union! “ Payne, Hawaii

In your case Payne, they obviously didn’t get the lead out soon enough !

tom, London, England

Come polling Americans will actually think what's best for the country and trust their gut feeling unlike the British who vote based on the BBC, the Sun and perceived Cool. Then again the British have been state controlled for over 200 years hence why they constantly demand state involvement

Robert, Aberden, UK

Good article but I fear it is wishful thinking. The only good thing that may come out of ultra right wing Palinism is that we will start thinking for ourselves and not automatically follow America's elad (and I speak as an admirer of that country.)

Liz, London,

I sadly have to agree with Victoria's posting. I am seeing our country being run by a band of thieves. Our congress is corrupt and totally driven by self interest tied into big business.
We hope that this election will rid us of the right wing ultra conservative bunch.

John Oberle, Warner Robins, United States

Our politicians are disposable and we've no monarchy to make us look the fool in the eyes of the world with respect to upholding the principles of equality.

We will never see a king as our father, a queen as our mother, or a news organization as our aunty.

If only you would be so self critical.

Ed Smith, Springfield, USA

This country consumes 35% of the world's resources. And many complain that there are too many immigrants. Maybe they just came here to use what belongs to them. I believe the country is already on the downside of superpower and can only hope that the rest of the world will have mercy on us.

Victoria J, Sandyston, USA

' Homo-erotic agenda' ? Let me guess Lawrence, you also think Spongebob is corrupting the youth with subliminal gayness?
Wake up and smell the 21st Century.

Rich, Groningen, Netherlands

Those who are "none to happy with the Leftist, extremist Homoerotic agenda" are worried their privileged status will come to an end. We on the Left have far more morals and scruples than our greedy brethren on the right. Matthew 25:31-46,

David, Chicago, USA

Sorry to disappoint you Justin, but people who live their lives according to an amoral regime of abortion, sterilization and sodomy don't tend to have too many children. Those who live their lives according to traditional morality tend to have quite a few. And they also adopt the rest.

Tomas, New York,

Mr Webb I beg to differ, Social conservatism is alive & well in America, & we are none to happy with the Leftist, extremist Homo-erotic agenda that seems to permeate the Democrat Party. Nor will not sit still while they Thrust 'the Fickle finger of fate' willy-nilly in the orifice of of their choice

Lawrence C, Rochester , USA

I guess, in Justin's eyes, the coolest place on earth exists without rules (morals), defining the right from wrong. God forbid anyone define it, because someone, somewhere, might disagree. By the way, Justin, the American people voted, morality is overwhelmingly important, 80% of the people.

Ann, Macon, USA

Does anyone know what "Yellow Journalism" is? It is when the press makes the news when they're suppose to report the news; additionally, the press and talk shows are stating their personal opinion and nothing more.

Are you people that affraid of Palin, that you want to get her out!!

Scott, McLean, VA, USA

Isn't it amazing that the writer has fallen victim to the same disease that most visitors to the U.S. suffer from, a bad case of "Oh, I've been to New York...now I know all about America" syndrome. Sorry folks, conservatives are alive and well America, and getting along nicely.

Noel, Savannah, USA

our country ? really ?

the other nations of the world are entitled to our pocketbooks ? thats what you think.....we're like an absentee rich uncle
we have this little problem in the usa that is draining us. it's called immigration. we spend about 43 Billion a year. make our own money..please

Howard Dean, New York, USA

Isn't it pretty to think so?

Lynn, cincinnati, usa

The author is right. I have worked hard for the last twenty years and I am sick of it. People in other nations don't need to work, why shoould I. I can't wait for the US to go full socialist so I can sit back and enjoy myself. Free food, free healthcare, free housing - who wouldn't want that.

Sherry, Denver, US

So many comments from Americans complaining about paying taxes, sending money to less well off nations and gas prices; and yet they are one of the richest countries in the world with an extremely high standard of living. I am not religeous but these comments do sound a little unchristian!

deborah Blaxell, Paget, Bermuda

I don't want to police the world, I want the world to help their own people so we don't have to keep sending them our $$. and jobs. I also don't want illegals given amnesty, as Obama says he will do..we don't have enough jobs for the world!

Bobc, Ky , USA

And. I want smaller government, not more! Obama's going to be in everyone's pocket, with his global poverty act. Citizens are fed up with taxes taken to give to everyone in the world. Foreign aid should be only for natural disasters.

Bobc, Ky, USA

To Steve Mucci... With the single exception of Italy, all of the "right-wing" governments you list in your post would be markedly to the left on the US political spectrum. And I think any decent human being would take European "socialism" over the state of affairs in the US.

Graham, Leeds, UK

I am clueless as to what "social conservatism" means. I believe in certain catch phrases, e.g.: there are no second place winners. I also believe in our Constitution, it has kept us on an even keel over several centuries. Does this make me a social conservative?

Neal, East Lansing, USA

It's more conservative than before. I don't think that's bad, it's back to basic values, though I don't like fundamentalism. Why want the US to go your way...is your socialism a success? It's not for us. BTW, McCain is not Bush. Changes will be made the way we want, just not your way.

lawhite, Idaho, USA

The UK will elect a right wing government. The Franch have a right wing government. Canada will re-elect a right wing government. Austria has a right wing government. Italy has elected a right wing government. Germany has a right wing government. Why should the US elect the leftist Zero Bama?

Steve Mucci, Pocono, USA

Great post Justin ....But it does matter who wins it matters a lot...More of the same or Change

lisa, Thomasville, usa

I recently spoke with a woman who lives in America, is a strong and unashamed Christian, and who still maintains her Swedish citizenship. She lamented the jailing of a minister in Sweden for citing Bibilical references against gay marrriage. If that is progress, give me none of it!

JM Young, Tallahassee, USA

Justin, the social conservatives spoke in the last election and they will speak again in this election. I don't know where your head is but social conservatives are very strong and growing in this country. Come out from under the rock. The conservatism era is beginning. Go Sarah.

mags, Cincinnati, USA

Keep deluding yourself ... 60 percent of Americans STILL identify themselves as conservative. Republicans OWN the South - only Dems that do well are the ones that "play" Republican. I love this stuff ... you guys make me grin cuz it just means Republicans are gonna keep the wiN!

Mark, Slidell, Louisiana, usa

WAKE UP America! What are you so afraid of? Been here 20 years. No social progress. We're 2 deeply divided societies paralyzed on bridge to nowhere. There's no place in world for intolerant bigoted religious extremism, right? Look around you! Better get w/program cos being #2 isn't (y)our strength.

Kate, DC,

The original 'Iron Lady' Margaret Thatcher did not claim special treatment; she did not ask to be treated respectfully just because she was a woman. She did not hide behind here aides and was prepared to debate with anyone. Posing with a gun over a dead moose doesn't make you an Iron Lady.

Arnold Carton, Belfast, Britain

I live in one of the most Democratic cities in the US and I don't recognize the America you describe. One of my bosses, an Obama fanatic, recently commented to me about Sarah Palin, "A candidate should not have a pregnant unmarried daughter." America is much more conservative than you think.

Laura, Boston, MA, USA

Being long of tooth I seem to recall the same statement being made in reference to "Victoria"

Iben_Hadd, Vienna, VA

The only steady move away from social conservatism is by some Republican politicians. Sarah Palin's candicacy will go a long way to stopping that. America is by and large a conservative country. Only the ongoing bias of major American media sources prevents many in the nation from belieivng that.

David Jennings, La Habra, USA

Well, so what? I am lifelong conservative, but I can do math in my head real good. And if social conservatives don't have a MAJORITY, then we should get as much as we can. Sarah can save US American civilization. Anyone who sits back and stays home because that's not enough is a half-wit.

Vinny, Stonington, USA

I agree that social conservatism that has existed for the last 70 years is waning. No welfare state, no income redistribution, no affirmative action. A post FDR era has taken hold and there is no going back. Social conservatism is maintaining the long held status quo and Clinton repudiated that.

mikes, austin,

Mr. Webb seems to think that "social conservatism" is somehow a four letter word. That it is being left in the past and a new Utopian socialist society with wonderful high taxes is on the horizon. What he seems not to understand is that social conservatism is essentially "good family values".

Arnold, Nixa, United States

The remarks of Will, jon, and J.Cline make me wonder who is reading the Timesonline!
Some alternate universe's inhabitants - sharing the common language of the sneer?
Or just a carefully-selected group kept caged in one of the paper's cellars until needed?

Ermintrude Kapusch, Tacoma Park, USA

"And yes, social conservativism is the fundamental fabric of America and will be for longer than the European nations last."

We've lasted pretty well for the last couple of millenia as opposed to a couple of hundered years
Surely the Senate with elected representatives should have final say?

Kieran, Halifax, U.K.

Justin, you obviously know very little about Americans. We are so unlike you-all. And yes, social conservativism is the fundamental fabric of America and will be for longer than the European nations last.

Will, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

silly, just silly. 70 or 80% of America's drift from social conservatism comes to us by courtesy of the Federal courts and their penchant for imposing their own ideals on society at large. McCain and Palin could change that by ridding us of 2 or 3 ready to retire Supreme Court justices.

jon, sanford, USA

We don't need arrogant prats like this Webb fellow to "give America another chance." However you may wish for it, the U.S. is not turning into a socialist paradise. Britain's social conservatives are wearing niqab and having eight kids apiece -- they're the future! Try fixing your own society.

J Cline, Seattle,

I have never heard of you. But thank you for this read. I was browsing around looking for comments on my Gov. Sara, and landed in the times zone. HA HA! Anyway Justin good write . And Yes there is nothing wrong with a healthy, fresh, lets get it done reborn it again approach. God Bless us all

shirley Isenburg, Eagle River,Alaska, USA

Social Conservatism isn't sufficient to even get a candidate elected in the Rep. Primary.

The other point of the article seems to be that America needs to be a bit more marxist to succeed. I point the author in the direction of the past 100 years of American economic dominance and European decline.

John Louis Swaine, Colchester, United Kingdom

I recall mental giants such as yourself predicting in the late 1970's pretty much the same thing you're saying now.... America is about to begin a glorious new era going leftward.

Try not to cry too hard in November when Obama loses

Douglas, Montgomery, AL, USA

I hope the people in UK will hang in there with their distant cousins and realize that educated, loyal Americans have the same concerns as you as to how the decisions of our leaders effect the entire world and many of us are contributing time, money to replace the current top leadership with Obama.

Kay Elder, Littleton, CO, USA

I think JW may well be right about this. I hope so. But at the same time, unnoticed by him there is also a withdrawal from the more extreme and offensive forms of liberalism, though I would not expect a BBC commentator either to notice or write about that sort of thing.

John Punshon, Milton Keynes, England (ex-US resident)

The author got it exactly right! That's what I feel is going on (good adminstration is the point, not ideology; the candidates are more alike than not; fundamentalists were so last century) but no media has picked up on this since it's more interesting to read about the petty conflict.

Annette, Richmond, VA,

I pray to God that the American people wake up to the unpopulairty of their current administration and the impact this is having on their global image. The rest of the world waits with baited breath for a change in US government. If that change does not occur then Mr Webb...

Nicola Sylvester, Herts,

will find that America will not retain its position as the 'world's leading nation'. How can the rest of the world take seriously a country whose ailing economy has caused major ripples around the world? Justin Webb is right America has 'no divine right to lead' and it will not without change.

Nicola Sylvester, Herts,

Can someone explain to Ms. Palin that when the US uses military force innocent civilians die. The right to life is not the right to life of US citizens only.

Diplomacy has been a success in Libya, South Africa, North Korea, potentially in Zimbabwe, in the dismembering of the USSR and in China.

kenrigg, Hong Kong,

You have a choice USA. Go backwards into oblivion (creationism, anti-abortion, kill animals for fun). Yes I know she is not the candidate but she is getting the attention and McCain is 72 years old! Or, move forward, work with the rest of the world. Please! We love you.

Allan Tudor, Portsmouth, England

Right Justin, I want to pay 75% taxes, have rationed health care and have the government take care of me. You don't understand America when all you look at is New York and LA. Go to places like San Antonio, Columbus, Boise, Atlanta and Charleston and compare them to the wine and cheese crowd u love

robert, columbus, ohio, USA

Cast your mind back to the night of the last US election on BBC newsnight. The liberal BBC commentators were so happy and cheery as it seemed Kerry was romping home. But oh dear: come the morning and Mr Naughtie et al sounded devastated as they brought us the result. Hilarious.

Ib, Dalston, UK

You are away with the fairies. If the US elects McCainPalin BushCheney's 3rd term then you will see the world looking elsewhere and no amount of Americamania will save it from that. The world is looking for the US to turn the page by electing Obama. Only the American people can do this

Vernon Butcher, basingstoke, england

To "H" from London,
The Bible says that a man shall leave his mother and father and cling to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. Biblically, this gives precedence to the bond between husband and wife, over the bond between parents and children.
"R" from, California

Rob Rayner, Torrance, CA, USA

Very colorful article. The fall of socio-politico conservatism is proven through the family structure of the two republican candidates. There was a time when that would have mattered, might be more direct. The proof of the evolution will arise from the legislature.

William, Plainfield, USA

The modernisation angle is overkill. We all have cell phones,but the other tools are reserved for the elitist not the general population. The general population is dying from health/dental care, and a stable, reasonably static environment.

William, Plainfield, USA

What right has a mere husband, who is intent on rebuilding his life after wife passes away, have to decide on her death. The mother who created her is the only one who can decide. Most women would look after the ill. Please can we start following female values instead of male.

H, London,

Has America ever been more cliched than it is today? I see America as the grand country of "isms"; not much there of substance anymore:defective economy, defunct leadership!

PJP, Brisbane, Australia

If America is entering a new era of awareness, how come the Evangelist and Mormon churches are growing so rapidly? And why are children allowed to be publicly lied to (Biblical Museum Tours) ?
The only way I will believe America is waking up is if no votes are cast in the Presidential elections.

Matt, Antibes, france

You wish Mr Webb!
Wake up and smell the coffee. More interesting to speculate on the death of BBC world view supposed liberalism.

Mike, Tonbridge, UK

Don't confuse socal and fiscal conservatism. You don't have to raise tax to let people get on with their lives. Why set such store in the original consitution which was written to be relevant to the world 200 yrs ago? Is the US a better place for the right to arms these last 100 yrs?

johnp, Uk, Uk

It really irritates me when Americans refer to Obama as the far left, seemingly just because Bill O'Reilly has described him that way.The far left was Stalinist Russia and Obama in many ways would be to the right of centre in European politics.Why is everyone so keen to jump on the extreme bandwagon

Michael Wood, London,

WE WANT CHANGE
We are sick of "more of the same" lies, deception, the Will of someone else's God conducting our lives, the poor getting poorer,the rich getting obscenely rich, getting ripped off again - we want Change.
Change comes in the shape of 2 sincere men, Obama/Biden.. VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Rosie, Tucson, USA

Progress is not necessarily good. Here in Germany, progress means more global warming hysterics, higher taxes, and depressed citizens. What I have seen of Obama is not encouraging at all. Copying European opportunistic zeitgeist is a sure way into a massive downturn.

Haegar Schmidt, Cologne, Germany

In my book Obama isn't even an American. I would never vote for a Democrat of the last 40 years, either. I don't like them.
I grew up with 17 cent gasoline and 25 cent hamburgers. Now the gas has no lead and the hamburgers are shot up wtih steroids for $12.00. We had "e-mail" with Western Union!

Payne , Honolulu, USA

America is a center right country. Despite a hostile media social conservatives will continue to exert influence because mainstream conservatism offers the solutions to long term survival. The opposite of conservatism is not liberalism or diversity, but political correctness and political orthodoxy.

Nexus, California, USA

Now if the education system can only catch up and teach Americans about the rest of the world beyond the coastal horizon.

Stuart, Newcastle, Australia

I guess we have to respect Justin for wanting to understand America. However, he is clueless on what social conservatism is all about in our country. Then again, very often so are the Democrats.

Paul Webb, Denver, USA

I have just seen the first Gov. Palin one-on-one interview, with Charles Gibson on ABC 'World News'. She is more 'Bush' than Bush. The same self-righteous certainty of rectitude, the same eagerness for war'against our enemies', the same astonishingly narrow view of the world, but multiplied.

Tom Benford, Kyoto, Japan

"get on with their lives unmolested by government". You really don't know much about the parties here. The Democrats are the very definition of government interference. They think American is great because of government. Republicans think America is great because of the individual.

Dalai-Bama, Atlanta, USA

What is cool about America is that something similar to the sixties is about to happen here. A revolution in consciousness (perhaps its what didn't quite make it in the sixties) only this time we won't have to go through the reaction to it, we've already ridden that horse.

STEVEN Doyle, Danvile, United States

The United States is imperfect, but that means we've always got a lot of room for improvement. And, in time, we'll see those improvements come. It won't be overnight, might not be to european standards, but that's probably fine with a lot of people, different continent, different ideas etc.

Bert, Medford, USA

I am pro-choice about abortion but would still vote for McCain. He is more sensible than Obama.

Paul Francis, Brisbane, Australia

Are you quite sure of that, Mr. Webb?

If anything, America is slowly becoming even MORE right wing: martial and obedient to ruthless leaders. Moreover, our national character (whatever that was) has become very mean and retributive.

America is a dangerous country teetering on a knife's edge.

William, Seattle, USA

This guy has no clue about America.Social conservatives have won the death penalty debate(36 states) and gun debate(see Heller vs. DC ruling).They have won the argument on faith based initiatives.Even Obama claims to support all 3.They are winning the abortion debate(see partial birth abortion ban).

jimmy, washington, usa

The South Dakota abortion ban failed because it didn't make exceptions for rape and incest. The current ban initiative includes these exceptions and leads 2-1. Polls show Americans are strongly Pro-Death Penalty, Pro-2nd amendment, Pro-School Prayer, and support strict abortion limits. Palin rules!

jeff, Pittsburgh, USA

BW, Milford - Obama represents "progress"? If you define "progress" as a move to the far left and income redistribution, then fine. You'll get what you voted for. You'll need deep pockets to pay for all the freeloading illegals!

Thankfully, millions of American's won't, and Obama will be defeated

John, Manchester, UK

Sarah Palin makes Hillary Clinton look honest and qualified to be President of the United States! People are falling over each other in fawning praise of her? Palin is nothing more than Dick-Cheney-in-a-dress from a corrupt state. Her version of "social conservatism" is political cancer.

Keble, Yakima,

The writer is correct about the fatsos. Colorado reputedly has the lowest percentage of the obese of any state. If that's true, given all the fatties I see here the other states must be swarming with them.

It's nonsense to suggest social conservatism is dying; it's certainly not here.

Dave Livingston, El Paso County, Colorado, USA

Social conservatism took off in the US as a response to liberalism's failures. Is it really so horrible of me to miss the high-performing schools, the first world infrastructure, the homeogenous community cohesiveness, the low-crime society, that I was born into? I didn't imagine it - it existed.

MaryJ, San Francisco, USA

Yeah, go America! Ditch all that old-fashioned stuff and embrace the wonderful social policies of the ultra-cool Europeans (we in Europe are so lucky to have achieved near Utopia, whatever the great unwashed think). Hike up taxes as well and see thousands of your best brains disappear abroad.

David, London,

Does the author have information and data to back this up?? Or is this one long wishful thought??

This is a battle between moral relativism and a principle-driven life. Social conservatism in the US is far from dead, and it's not even on a track towards dying.

Barry, La Jolla, USA

America's power and influence at all levels are waning, while other giants like India and China are rising. At what level is America cool? It's in a pathetic state if you ask me. There's nothing inspiring about this oil-hungry military power. I think you need to go around the world a bit more often.

Ahmad, Tunbridge Wells,

The more people fear change, the more they cling to their archaic beliefs. Palin epitomizes all that is scary about the closemindedness of ULTRA-conservatism. And I'm a small-town moderate conservative myself. I will be voting for Obama because Palin represents nostalgia, not progress.

BW, Milford, DE, USA