Why are you a conservative? Define conservative?

Because I am getting good responses on my question for liberals, I thought it would be good to see what other conservatives had to say.Please give me good solid reasons (why you are conservative), reasons that you believe in, and stress points in a manner that is not defensive but progressive. If you want to further your answer, explain to me the strong points of your party and give me your opinion of its leaders. Make me understand why America should be more conservative. (i would appreciate it if people would out of respect not bash, but rather learn from answers given) i don't want to generate negative responses from which flow a stream of pointless bickering.....