The article critiques the shift in the Republican Party’s values, detailing how it has moved from promoting free markets and a cooperative government to prioritizing power and party loyalty. After World War II, both major parties sought common ground on governance, but starting in the 1980s, a faction known as “Movement Conservatives” began to dominate Republican ideology, advocating for deregulation and states’ rights while often aligning with racist and sexist sentiments.
This transformation was driven by leaders like Ronald Reagan, who, while promising economic freedom, depended on votes from those resistant to civil rights and women’s rights. The party further evolved under figures like Newt Gingrich, who pushed for a hardline approach against Democrats, leading to a view of conflict as a battle for the soul of America, justifying undemocratic tactics to win.
The trend continued with actions like the gerrymandering of districts and voter roll purges, which favored Republicans even when they lost popular votes. As the party faced existential threats from a more diverse electorate, it increasingly resorted to racist and sexist rhetoric to maintain power, culminating in the election of Donald Trump, who embraced authoritarian tactics and dismantled traditional conservative principles.
Now, the once principled conservatism has morphed into something more radical, with a focus on undermining existing systems in a manner reminiscent of fascism and dictatorship. Activists now speak of a “rebellion” against the established order, using language that echoes past totalitarian movements.
