I feel its important to take a stand. Its important to know what you believe in. I think it is important to have convictions and not just sway with the wind. I think most people are "moderates" which, to me, basically says, "I take the side of the winner. I don't want to commit to anything until I have a good idea of the outcome." I don't understand people who claim to be socially liberal and fiscally conservative. To me social and fiscal programs are tied together. how can you be for massive government social programs but be against high government spending? I think thats just what people say to sound like they've put some thought into their position.
I've read books by many conservative authors, but not too often, and after I was aware of my conservative beleifs. I listen to talk radio every once in a while (I'm not into podcasts and I can't really listen at work, so not too often either). I do remember the first time I heard rush limbaugh on the radio. I thought to myself "Thats what I think, maybe I am a conservative." So I listened to his show maybe for 20 minutes a day while I was in my car, and more often than not agreed with what he had to say. I check out most of the current happenings on the internet.
www.drudgereport.com for a daily chieck on the news along with news.google.com
A good place to start with links is
http://www.intellectualconservative.com/links.html
I never used to think the media was biased or there was some liberal agenda behind the latest blockbuster film, but once I was aware of it, it was painfully obvious. I'm actually suprised (a bit) in how my beliefs have turned out. I never really thought I would be a conservative.