this post was submitted on 16 Jan 2024
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Isn't the point of "conservatives" to tear everything down? Because then they just elected the right man for that.
That's an accelerationist or a nihilist. If the status quo is pro-immigration and pro-LGBT rights, wanting to keep this status quo will make you a "conservative" because you want to conserve the status quo.
They're reactionaries.
"Conservatives" haven't wanted to conserve anything in a very long time. They want to prop up the rich with government subsidies, hurt the poor, control the women, and hopefully kill some sick people along the way. That's a damned far sight from conserving traditional American values.
i'd imagine a part of the problem is that at least some of them do in fact see those things as "traditional american values" so from their perspective they are conserving their version of reality.
Genuine question as i don't actually know the answer, is conservatism considered to be the conservation specifically of "traditional" values. Like, is there an agreed upon timeframe in which these traditional values were held or is it more of a moving target sort of thing ?
I'm no expert, but I always thought the American brand "conservative" stood for "fiscal conservative", as in, to save money by limiting government spending.
That definition lines up well with their actual policies which tend to be cutting government spending, tax cuts, downsizing government jobs, etc.
Not really conserving traditions. Although there's plenty of that in their cultural identity.
Edit: to be clear, the party has long since moved past being actually conservative. The most accurate description they might have now would be the party of spite.
Relevant: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2019/jul/29/tweets/republican-presidents-democrats-contribute-deficit/