Your assertion isn't true, as was explained to me on HN recently. Conservatism in the US has nothing to do with conservation, it's more synonymous with economic liberalism in Europe: small government, low regulation, wealth makes right.
On a personal note, this war on words has turned me off from most debates because hollow sophistry is deemed a virtue by the loudest voices. Excluded middle, and all that.
> small government, low regulation, wealth makes right
How does this explain their stance on issues like gay marriage, trans rights, abortion, and criminal justice? We really have to stop saying that American conservatives are primarily motivated by small government.
>Conservatism in the US has nothing to do with conservation, it's more synonymous with economic liberalism in Europe
This is a very popular cliché, and while the conclusion might hold, the logic doesn't, in my opinion.
If the US did have true conservatives, then they would be conserving what is in the US, not Europe.
And I think it's widely considered that the existing order in the US has more elements of economic liberalism.
On the other hand, the Republicans who like that sort of thing seem increasingly marginalized anyway, so as I said, the conclusion may still be correct.
On a personal note, this war on words has turned me off from most debates because hollow sophistry is deemed a virtue by the loudest voices. Excluded middle, and all that.