Conservatism and The State

As a conservative I've been accused of wanting no government. This is a misunderstanding of Conservatism. Government is a good thing and provides usefull and necessary services such as  protection against the aggression of others and fraud. It isn't government that I oppose, it is The State. The State is favored by Progressives. While I can't speak for all Progressives (many of whom receive benefits and other pay from The State) it is apparent that many regard The State as the provider of security from cradle to grave. I recently saw literature that claimed 60% of all Americans receive government "benefits". Health care is the latest push from this side of our political spectrum. The State will not stop growing unless reined in by the People. November, 2012 will be a telling election. We are able to choose the direction we wish to take. Will it be to become a people dependent on The State or will it be to become self reliant as were the founders of our country (and culture) and until the early 20th century most of those who came before us?