• DarkGamer@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    I’m not sure what you mean. What do you think it means to be a conservative?

    In this context I’m referring to what the American right historically purports to be and not what it arguably is; small government, pro-business, law and order, supports traditional American values like democracy, pro-religion, in opposition robust social programs. This seems to be in line with Mitt Romney’s version of conservatism, as opposed to the GOP’s more recent openly fascist and antidemocratic behaviors. I could see potential for him as a Manchin-like Democrat who leans hard right, if he were so inclined and his voters approved.

    • BolexForSoup@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      Interesting. It wasn’t loaded to be honest. I just don’t understand what is a “true conservative” as every time I hear it come up, it’s usually just in the context of “current conservatives aren’t real conservatives.” So I was curious what your definition is.

      Like let’s take “law and order.” Who is against that? It’s a meaningless phrase designed to paint opposition as for “no laws and disorder.” So the phrase is sort of meaningless to me.

      • DarkGamer@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Like let’s take “law and order.” Who is against that?

        Well, presently the Republicans Mitt Romney is at odds with.

      • Neve8028@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        People who are for “law and order” are generally just simping for cops. I do agree that it’s kind of a ridiculous phrase but there are strong connotations that come along with it.

        • BolexForSoup@kbin.social
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          1 year ago

          I get what the connotations are but it’s like “pro-life.” The implication is opponents are “anti-life” or “pro-death” and so the entire conversation is immediately lopsided/in some ways poisoned and dishonest.

          When you look at the conservative platform it’s all like this. “I am for families.” So that means opponents are against families. It’s very broad statements that make - when looked at closely - kind of ridiculous statements about their opponents. So if there is “real” conservative, which is usually a stand in for “reasonable,” I don’t actually know what their policies are. They used to hide behind “fiscal responsibility” but that was always dubious and their last 20 years of spending have eradicated any argument they make about spending lol