POLITICS

10 Myths About Modern Conservatives

When cultism trumps patriotism

Since the rise of Trumpism, Republicans have abandoned all pretense of being a party with a coherent platform. Rather than focusing on improving the lives of all Americans, the political landscape within the GOP boils down to pleasing a corrupt failed president and his fanatical base that refuses to live in reality. We can also dispense with these myths about modern conservatives.

They’re Diehard Patriots

Patriots put country and democracy above any one person or political party. There’s nothing less patriotic than trying to overturn a free and fair election. If you were more outraged by Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem than by domestic terrorists attacking our Capitol, there’s zero chance you’re a real patriot.

They Put America First

It’s often difficult to tell the difference between Russian state-run media and conservative news outlets. Newsmax and One America News Network feed conservatives a steady diet of false and misleading information that often originated with RT and Sputnik, two state-funded Russian information services. An example of this was Russian trolls spreading misinformation about Hillary Clinton’s failing health during her 2015 presidential campaign.

They Care About Our Military

“He’s not a war hero,” Trump said about former POW John McCain, “I like people who weren’t captured.” Trump canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris in 2018, saying to senior staff members, “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.” In another conversation on the same trip, speaking about the 1,800 Marines who lost their lives at Belleau Wood, Trump called them “suckers” for getting killed.

Trump isn’t the only Republican who regularly disrespects our military. Fox News recently attacked disabled combat veteran, Senator Tammy Duckworth, with a dishonest article suggesting she dodged paying property tax on her home. As a disabled vet who made an enormous sacrifice to our country, Duckworth is exempt from paying property taxes in Illinois.

They’re All About Freedom

Modern conservatives would have you believe they are the champions of freedom and liberty. They pushed an anti-mask agenda during the worst pandemic in 100 years, as if the right to abstain from wearing masks was more important than a citizen’s right to avoid dying from COVID-19.

The GOP has taken alarming steps to criminalize abortion, with Texas Republicans leading the way. And they’re implementing a nationwide push to make voting as difficult as possible.

They’re Fiscally Conservative

During Trump’s time in office, the national debt rose by $7.8 trillion. The unpaid bill he left our government with will burden future generations. Now Republicans are suddenly outraged at the national debt they voted for, leading to a standoff to raise the debt ceiling that could cause the U.S. to default on its loans. These dishonest Trump shills are only “fiscally conservative” when a Democratic is president, and all but 11 Republicans were willing to burn down our entire economy to expand their power.

They’re Champions of Free Speech

Conservatives love presenting themselves as the champions of free speech––especially when it comes to hateful, bigoted, and racist rhetoric. For years they pushed for private corporations to have the same free speech rights as individuals, including the right to spend unlimited cash on political campaigns. But now that corporations are speaking out against voter suppression and withholding donations to politicians who support this un-American action, Republicans suddenly think companies should, as Mitch McConnell put it, “stay out of politics.”

They Represent Christian Values

Jesus, give me a break. It’s hard to find a less charitable group of people than those who blindly follow a false orange idol. They claim to be morally superior, yet they’ve accepted an unprecedented level of corruption and perversion by members of their party. (See pedophile Matt Gaetz.) They’re indifferent to gun violence and believe that owning powerful assault rifles is part of God’s covenant with his chosen people: white Anglo-Saxon Protestants.

They’re Pro-Life

During Trump’s disastrous last year in office, Republicans downplayed COVID-19 and politicized the global pandemic, leading to over 500,000 American deaths.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick even suggested seniors were willing to die to keep the economy open. Many seniors were willing to risk it all, but only because they trusted GOP leaders and conservative media.

The notion that conservatives are “pro-life” was shattered. As they continue using this myth to criminalize abortion, it’s clear that it was never about protecting the unborn. They simply want to prolong the patriarchy to ensure men can control the destinies and health of women for as long as possible.

They’re Concerned About Voter Fraud

Republican leaders know systematic voter fraud is a myth. It’s called the Big Lie for a reason. Their concern and panic stem not from voter fraud but widespread voter access.

They got trounced in the 2020 election, and instead of going after a more diverse group of voters, they doubled down on lies, undermined confidence in elections with sham audits, and passed new Jim Crow-style voter suppression laws.

They Love America

Conservatives believe they’re American patriots. But there’s nothing more un-American than voter suppression. There’s nothing patriotic about putting the goals of a corrupt megalomaniac before the good of the country.

Letting over half a million of your fellow citizens die while screaming about your individual right to remain unvaccinated is the opposite of patriotism. It’s sociopathic-level selfishness driven by cultish behavior that defies rational thinking.

The beauty, strength, and greatness of the United States of America come from our diversity. We’re a nation of immigrants, comprised of all the peoples of the world. We’re a land of infinite opportunity, lofty promises, and deep flaws that we’re constantly trying to rectify.

Those who can’t embrace the diversity of our country and the ideals of democracy don’t love America. And sadly, they don’t even know what it means to be an American.

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