First let me say I love conservatives. Some of my best friends are MAGA Republicans.

That being said, they do tend to confuse me from time to time, i.e., I’m not exactly sure where they stand on certain issues. Maybe you can help me out.

For example, they keep telling us how we need to get the government out of our lives. Except, of course, when it comes to our bedrooms and doctor’s offices. Then I guess it’s OK to let the government be in the middle of our lives.

Help me to understand.

They also tell us judges, district attorneys and prosecutors can’t possibly be impartial if a family member gives to a rival political party or supports one of their candidates. But then they tell us a Supreme Court justice shouldn’t have to recuse himself if he supported an insurrection.

Which is it?

This morning’s headline: The border crisis is reaching epidemic proportions and needs to be addressed immediately. This afternoon’s headline: We absolutely refuse to pass any legislation aimed at strengthening border security before the election.

Make up your mind.

On the one hand, violent lawbreakers in Oregon should all be rounded up and incarcerated for the next hundred years. But on the other hand, violent lawbreakers who were at the Capitol on January 6th should be unanimously pardoned and treated like heroes.

Make a decision.

One day they’re talking about the importance of law and order and how this country is going to hell. The next day they’re talking about how being a convicted criminal is a badge of honor — something to be admired and revered.

Can we not decide?

They tell us spending is out of control and that our current level of deficit spending is unsustainable. Then they proceed to give tax cuts to the wealthy that literally explode the national debt.

What am I missing here?

Before Roe v. Wade was overturned, all they talked about was “states’ rights.” But as soon as 50 years of legal precedent was struck down, all we hear is “federal ban.”

What gives?

They tell us we are a Christian nation who should put the Bible at the center of all our governmental policies. But then they work tirelessly to cut programs that provide food, shelter and health care to the least among us.

What would Jesus do?

And along the same lines, they push vigorously to have The Ten Commandments placed prominently in all our schools, libraries, cafeterias and restrooms. But they support a guy who has used those sacred mandates like a bingo card.

Do they not believe them?

They tell us rural Americans are the backbone of this country; they are the main reasons for our national strength and unwavering resolve. Then they propose bills that slash funding for low-interest loans to financially distressed farmers and electric co-ops.

Are they for or against rural America?

On Monday, they tell us that we should simply let the market decide, with minimal interference by politicians. On Tuesday, the vote for legislation that gives an advantage to those with a financial stake in market transactions.

Which should I believe?

Their speeches, rallies, and television commercials scream that we need to Make America Great Again. But when they get elected to Congress, they focus more on their own agendas, egos and pursuit of power instead of trying to realize that lofty ambition.

What are their real priorities?

They celebrate and memorialize the Greatest Generation for their willingness to lay down their lives so we wouldn’t have to live under a dictatorship. Then they overwhelmingly support an individual who praises tyrants and passionately wants to be an autocrat.

Have they not read anything by Orwell?

Finally, they want to make sure everyone recites the Pledge of Allegiance faithfully every morning in our schools, both public and private. But then they do everything they can to divide the nation, restrict liberty and politicize justice.

Again, I love conservatives and some of my best friends are MAGA Republicans.

But please. Help me to understand where they are coming from.

— Aaron W. Hughey is a university distinguished professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University.