When I talk about being radically progressive-conservative, this is exactly what I mean about the “conservative” side of that equation, just so everyone is clear. That is why I refuse to call people like these theocratic reactionaries Conservatives.
Being conservative isn’t about being opposed to progress or everything progressives say. Being conservative simply means being the one to say: “and how do you intend to do this without destroying or bankrupting everything we have worked to gain? When X goes wrong, what is the plan for dealing with it?” Conservative doesn’t mean simply “on the right-hand side of things” sometimes it means standing in the middle between “charge in with no regard for the consequences” and “tear apart everything” like we’re dealing with now.
Sorry for the rant, but growing up, I was always the horribly conservative one, and while a few of my views have evolved (hence the radically progressive for the social side, now) I am still not as far-left (IMO) as I now get cast. It’s still disorienting to be informed that I must not believe in fiscal responsibility because I will pay more now for bigger savings down the line, instead of a quick, dirty, unsustainable payout. Or that because I believe in regulatory cleanup and clarification over slash-and-burn, that I believe in red tape and punishing business.
This is why I am honestly scared for the future.
