Competition does not improve every human endeavor, nor is every human endeavor a zero sum game. This is a load of outdated thinking that the Republicans are behind the curve in understanding. I just happen to know that because I’m in the computer field which includes the cognitive sciences and game theory. But I don't want to get into that here. Still anyone with a bit of common sense (or with kids in little league) knows that all competition all the time destroys the fabric of society. If one claims to be conservative, then one wishes to preserve what is good about the social order. One cannot wish to preserve the social order and always seek innovation and competition at the same time.
Should gays compete with hets for marriage rights? Is that a good thing? Should Catholics compete with Baptists for the attention of God? Is that a good thing? Should Muslims and Jews compete over living space? Is that a good thing? Should your HMO compete with another HMO to cut costs? Does that improve health care? Every problem in human life cannot be answered by market logic. These are social areas in which it makes more sense to cooperate than to compete. There are new studies out which show that cooperative strategies and tactics are superior to competitive ones in certain areas. We should get ahead of the curve and learn these things.
Republicans make good points in addressing the concerns of the somewhat lower middle class by encouraging them to apply competitive strategies to improve their lot in life. This is reasonable. But it is reasonable not because the principle works under all circumstances, but because America is a wealthy nation with plenty of headroom to grow if you are in the lower middle class. But we should not let competition become a fetish and try to apply it to every aspect of life. It simply doesn't apply everywhere doctrinaires would like it.