It's not the republican population in general who doesn't want to help people, its the tea party conservatives to which the moderates have to pander to. Economic studies have shown that trickle down economics doesn't work and that ultra conservatives put more emphasis on social issues than the economy. They use fear and obfuscation to avoid talking about the simple fact they want more money. These people are against progressive drug policy that will get incarcerated youth out of prision and into the working force. They discourage social policies that will actually help improve the economy. To say that conservatives dont want to help the less fortunate may not be fully true because they want to help themselves first.
I think trickle down DOES work - when / if you target the tax cuts at companies to attract employment.
When companies do well they hire people and build facilities. The people spend money, causing companies to want to expand, etc etc.
Now - if you are talking about trickle down on giving a Billionaire a tax cut, I may agree with you, though I think there is a limit to how much any one individual should have to pay taxes percentage wise.
Romney said corporations are people too - and for the discussion of taxation they are being treated like people. If you were to separate companies including small businesses from individual income tax I'd perhaps agree with you on trickle down doesn't work. If you include companies in the conversation, I must vehemently disagree.
I think your statement that conservatives only help themselves first is a generalization, and like most generalizations it may be true in specific cases, and totally incorrect in many other cases. I am very active in programs to help the poor - and yes, that is driven through religious beliefs that is what we should be doing per instructions from my Savior.
For me this is not JUST writing a check, but being on the front line on 3 organizations helping to collect and distribute food, clothing, and other items that they find it hard to get for themselves. I can introduce you to many other conservatives that work right along with me. We don't want thanks, we just want to directly help people in our community that are having a hard time. This is a family affair - I want my child to understand the importance of helping, and fortunately I think she takes the joy in it that my wife and I do.
Off subject - but unfortunately I am here to tell you the the need in Monroe County has been on a steady rise over the last 6 months. Every time we do a distribution we get 10-15 new applicants then the month before, and very few are dropping off. It is so sad to see new families and kids coming to get help. You can be SURE I want to help them, I want them to have the American Dream just like my family. I want them to get a good car, buy a house, get the education they want, a career they enjoy. From what I am seeing in my volunteer efforts the need is increasing, and the resources we have to help are shrinking.