Excellent post VV. The issue simply boils down to a conceptualization of liberty that informs one's understanding of the powers vested in, and protected by, the constitution- not a simplistic notion of smaller v bigger govt. Conservatives will generally support a larger role for federal power when those powers are specifically named in the constitution- particularly the power to command our military under Article II section 2 and secure the freedoms protected by our Original Will from outside threats. Contemporary liberals fear domestic authority and the over encroachment on individual license by the majority more than outside threats (hell many argue they're "made up" or OUR government creates threats to "rob" Americans of freedom) and thus will oppose genuine constitutional authority in favor of rights for enemy combatants.

The bulb is dim but the ego is bright. "Attacks on womens rights?" What rights would those be? Abortion rights? From where do they originate- the capricious will of 5 jurists abusing their authority in impeachable offense and violation of their constitutional preogative? And if the underpinnings of our constitution are to be neutered of comprehensive moral views- who gives us our rights and on what grounds? Obviously not a majority because the majority wants to limit certain rights in many circumstances. Who says we have any rights at all? And if they're a matter of human desire- what if my concept differs from yours who are you to tell me my rights are inferior? Stripping(?) gays of legal rights? How can it argued they're being stripped of equal protection under the law when they have every right to the same laws as heterosexuals? Oh! I see you believe it's equal protection TO the law that requires it to be rewritten to suit one's personal desires. Too bad that's not what the Framers had in mind. And when did the essence of liberal government become the views of a minority being imposed on the majority through an unelected branch? That sounds like... well, tyranny, yup that's it. Hubris notwithstanding Canada you need to brush up your history or you'll keep making a fool of yourself. Or maybe you should get a big red nose and some oversized shoes instead.