Liberal vs. Conservative thought

I was pondering today the differences between liberal and conservative thinking. Somehow I got around to the "Promote the general welfare" clause of the Constitution. This clause and the way the liberal and conservative interpret it are a defining area in the argument.

The liberal takes the clause to mean making sure everyone is taken care of. Health care, unemployment, minimum wage, social security, a chicken in every pot etc...

The conservative takes it to mean a law and order system which provides safety and then gets out of the way and lets people live, create, produce, invent, pursue happiness etc...

I think the word "promote" gives away what the founding fathers were thinking. They took a lot of time getting the wording just right in the Constitution. In another area they used the word "provide" in the "Provide for the common defense" clause. The meaning being clear. The government must provide security for the populace.

But why use "promote"? What does a promoter do? A promoter maybe reserves a venue for someone to entertain. Advertises for the entertainment. Makes sure everything is just the way the entertainment wants it. They do not entertain or perform. They do not give the entertainer or performer the skill to do their job. They do not create.

So using this idea the government should provide a country with laws that promote the success of it's populace. They should not provide the ideas, the financing, or the production. So lets promote the general welfare and give everyone the freedom to succeed. If we start promoting invention, creation, and producing more in this country that will provide people with jobs, health care, homes, and welfare.