Take a look around you. Believe it or not, they are here. In reality, they are everywhere. And even if you don't know it, you yourself may be one of them.

Before you race off to Ritenour, don't worry, it can be fixed. Those who have the condition show classic signs of "stubbornness," "narrow-mindedness" and "non-inclusiveness." But to be honest, it only appears to be non-inclusive because once the members of this group make up their minds about something, they won't change who they are to accommodate those outside of the group. The reason for that is quite simple. It's not to be rude or difficult; it's for everyone's self-interest.

What you have, if you start to let your popularity become more important than your core beliefs, is something not even remotely close to what you began with. Ideas will be twisted and turned so much that now the sole purpose of the club is to simply please others and be everyone's best friend.

This "disease" (as some may claim) is that dirty little 12-letter C-word that you dare not call yourself in a political science or women's studies class if you want to get an A.

It's called being conservative.

For some reason, on college campuses across America, it has been banned to the far corners of the ideological world, on the argument that it is an unethical way to live.

It's so hideous and appalling, it's considered by some to be a step below the water quality of the Jersey Shore. Overall, this is a touchy subject that people usually don't like to talk about.

Conservatism, in its literal sense, means to have traditional views and values. Somewhere in the past few decades conservatism has translated into "archaic" and "out-of-date." I propose a new translation for being conservative: old school. In real-world applications, conservatism roots stem from a responsibility in oneself and a sense of greater good for all people.

For example, conservatives believe that parents should have the last say on their child's education. If their child has failed, it's not the school's fault, but the fault of the parents for not adequately preparing their child with the countless hours of studying and practice needed.

Conservatives have faith in people. Even though we all mess up sometimes, people usually end up doing the right thing. (That's what your conscience is for.) That is why conservatives don't like when the government imposes taxes unnecessarily for various causes. Conservatives believe money is best spent when individuals make the decision about where it goes.

Something conservatism is not about: drilling for oil in your backyard. Why do you think conservatives tend to be in favor of exploring for energy in Alaska? Well, because no one lives there. Have you seen pictures of where they want to drill? Hardly any animals will be displaced and the habitat will be kept intact.

I will concede that we will run out of oil ... if we don't allow ourselves to look for more. It's like saying you're going to run out of beer, but you've banned yourself from looking in the fridge to see if you have more.

Also, conservatism is not about letting rapists run rampant and prey on young women here at Penn State. Last semester, the idea of training women to protect themselves came under fire for no apparent reason. Opponents said any self-defense shouldn't be necessary; how dare people suggest that women might have to just to ensure their safety? I do agree that it shouldn't be necessary, but in today's society, until every single human has been brainwashed not to commit a crime, self-defense is necessary.

It's like saying that if I walk out into the middle of Beaver Avenue, I shouldn't be prepared to get hit by a car. The car should be able to see me in time and stop (just in time to be able to flip me off).

Conservatism is about taking responsibility for yourself and not giving that responsibility to others. It's about having the optimism that we will reach an idealistic world one day, but realizing we don't live in a utopia, though we are making progress toward it.

Be aware of your surroundings. If you're worried about "catching it," sorry.

And Unfortunately, I don't think Ritenour has any vaccination for it yet.