Short Answer: I Didn't

I have not changed. I'm a conservative. Conservatives changed. The 2-Party system in America has changed drastically, starting in late 2015 when Donald Trump successfully enlisted the help of the nation's least informed and most bigoted people to take control of the Republican party. Unfortunately, the so-called Democratic Left is exhibiting more conservatism than the FAR right Republicans at this moment in time.

I began working for the Conservative Party, (Row C), in NY state, as a child. Not officially so as not to violate child labor laws, but at 8 I began going to political rallies and events, running errands and being tasked with some low-level mischief like finding cars with Humphrey bumper stickers and putting Nixon stickers over them. I was a coffee boy literally. I used that time to learn about conservative principles and values. Now I get called an antifa-communist by people who can't define a single conservative principle.
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Conservative Values and Principles:

The Foundation - A Constitutional Republic

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Our system is characterized by a division of power among 3 different branches of government, a set of laws that applies to everyone, and a focus on protecting individual rights, with citizens electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf. 

Conserve - it's right in the name

Conservative values emphasize preserving established customs, institutions, and traditional morality, often resisting rapid, radical social change. They believe that institutions and customs passed down through generations provide wisdom and a stable foundation for society. They favor slow gradual change over radical innovation.

Human imperfection: 

Conservatives tend to be skeptical of human nature. They believe that people are often driven by passions and self-interest, and that traditional institutions are necessary to control these impulses. The belief in human imperfection leads to a strong emphasis on maintaining order and respecting authority. Traditionalists see strong government and social institutions as crucial for a civilized society.

Limited government:

This value holds that the government should be restricted in size and scope to ensure individual liberty. Traditional conservatives typically support decentralized authority, constitutional safeguards against government overreach, and a system of checks and balances.

Fiscal responsibility:

This includes advocating for lower taxes, reduced government spending, balanced budgets, and minimal national debt. Proponents argue that limited taxation and spending encourage self-reliance and empower the private sector.

Rule of law:

The idea that society should be governed by impartial laws, not by the whims of men, is a central tenet. This involves encouraging public and private virtue, ensuring justice is administered equally, and holding all branches of government accountable to the constitution.

How Trump's Brand Of Populism is Very Different From Conservatism

In recent years, the political landscape has dramatically shifted, with populism taking center stage, particularly under the influence of figures like Donald Trump. While populism and conservatism may appear to share some common ground, they are fundamentally different in their values, approaches, and implications for society. Understanding these distinctions can shed light on the broader implications for American politics and its future.

Defining Populism and Conservatism

At its core, populism is a political approach that seeks to represent the "common people" against the perceived elite or establishment. It often thrives on emotional appeal, presenting itself as a movement that prioritizes the interests and voices of the average citizen. On the other hand, conservatism typically emphasizes tradition, stability, and gradual change, valuing established institutions and often advocating for fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention.

Trump's brand of populism diverges significantly from traditional conservative principles, mainly through its reliance on emotional rhetoric, promotion of division, and rejection of established norms. It also puts the elites and corporate interests before the people in most policies. It takes advantage of an uneducated mass, appealing to shared bigotry and a need for a scapegoat, to convince working people that billionaires can be trusted to have societies interests in mind.

Emotional Rhetoric and Anti-Establishment Sentiment

One of the most notable ways in which Trump's populism strays from conservatism is through its heavy use of emotional rhetoric that often borders on sensationalism. Where traditional conservatives might advocate for policies based on rational debate and evidence, Trump's approach tends to center around stirring up feelings of resentment and anger towards elites, immigrants, and various minority groups.

This anti-establishment sentiment has led to an atmosphere that often fosters bigotry and racism, portraying these groups as threats to the "American way of life." Traditional conservatism, while it may have had its own biases, generally did not embrace such contemptuous rhetoric as openly. Instead, it often aimed to promote a more inclusive vision of America based on shared values and community.

Mass Appeal vs. Ideological Consistency

Populism often seeks to create a broad coalition by appealing directly to the emotions and frustrations of a diverse audience. Trump's ability to connect with discontented voters is a testament to this tactic. However, this approach can sacrifice ideological consistency in favor of achieving short-term goals and rallying support.

In contrast, traditional conservatism prioritizes a consistent set of values and principles, such as personal responsibility, individual liberty, and limited government. While modern conservative movements often grapple with internal divisions, they still strive to uphold a coherent ideological framework. Trump's populist agenda, however, frequently adapts to shifting sentiments, leading to contradictions and a lack of stable policy direction.

Focus on Division Rather Than Unity

Another critical distinction lies in the approach to unity and division. Traditional conservatism, despite its flaws, has often aimed to create a sense of national unity, drawing on shared values and history. In contrast, Trump's populism frequently emphasizes division, encouraging an "us vs. them" mentality that alienates large segments of the population.

The promotion of divisive tactics has significant consequences, as it not only erodes social cohesion but can also nurture environments where bigotry and racism thrive. This focus on division undermines the potential for collaborative governance and compromises essential democratic principles, which are vital for a well-functioning society.

The Impact of Populism on Politics:

As we analyze Trump's brand of populism, it becomes evident that it diverges sharply from traditional conservative values and principles. Through its reliance on emotional rhetoric, its tendency toward ideological inconsistency, and its focus on division rather than unity, populism has forged a new path in American politics—one that challenges the foundations laid by conservatism.

Understanding these differences is crucial for voters and political analysts alike, as they navigate the evolving landscape of American politics. By recognizing the unique characteristics of populism, we can better comprehend its implications for our society and the potential challenges it poses to traditional conservative ideals.

Why the MAGA Movement is NOT Conservative

In recent years, the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement has taken center stage in American politics, particularly under the leadership of former President Donald Trump. Many supporters proudly identify as conservatives, proclaiming a commitment to traditional conservative values. However, a closer examination reveals that the MAGA movement diverges significantly from established conservative principles. Here, we explore why this contemporary iteration of the Republican Party does not embody the essence of conservatism, touching upon concepts like the separation of church and state, the equal branches of government, and the framework set forth in the US Constitution.

A Departure from Foundational Principles

Traditionally, conservatism has emphasized limited government, personal responsibility, and the protection of individual liberties as laid out by the framers of the US Constitution. Yet, under the MAGA banner, there has been a noticeable shift toward populism, where the emphasis often lies on the whims of the individual leader rather than adherence to foundational democratic principles. The movement tends to prioritize loyalty to Trump over allegiance to the Constitution, which can lead to a troubling erosion of the checks and balances integral to our government.

Moreover, MAGA supporters frequently endorse actions that undermine the equal branches of government, such as questioning the judiciary's independence and challenging the electoral process. This divisive rhetoric strays from conservative tenets, which honor the rule of law and the importance of maintaining a balanced governmental structure.

The Role of Religion in Politics

One of the most significant departures from conservative values is the MAGA movement’s approach to religion and its integration into politics. Traditional conservatism advocates for the separation of church and state, upholding the First Amendment rights that protect religious freedom while ensuring that governance remains secular. However, the MAGA movement often blurs these lines, promoting an agenda that intertwines political decisions with evangelical Christian values.

This fusion raises questions about the integrity of governance in a pluralistic society. When politics are subservient to religious doctrine, it risks alienating those who do not share the same beliefs, effectively disenfranchising a portion of the populace. By embracing this approach, the MAGA movement strays far from the inclusive nature of traditional conservatism, which seeks to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.

Economic Policies: Robber Barons vs. Equality

Historically, conservatives have advocated for free-market principles, championing entrepreneurship while eschewing oligarchy and the concentration of financial power. However, there is a notable embrace of crony capitalism within the MAGA movement, which aligns more closely with the "robber baron" era than with the ideals of fair competition and opportunity for all. Policies that favor large corporations or industries at the expense of small businesses and individual entrepreneurs contradict the essence of true conservative economic philosophy.

The focus has shifted from supporting free enterprise to fostering a climate where a select few can thrive while many struggle to get by. This shift not only threatens the economic landscape but also reflects a broader disregard for the foundational idea that prosperity should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite.

Conclusion: A Call for Reflection

As the MAGA movement continues to evolve within the Republican Party, it’s crucial for both supporters and detractors to reflect on what conservatism truly entails. The movement's departure from critical principles—such as the equal branches of government, the separation of church and state, and economic equity—raises concerns about the future of American conservatism. True conservative values should prioritize individual freedoms, uphold the Constitution, and adhere to the belief that governance should be conducted without undue influence from religious or economic elites.

By recognizing the divergences between the MAGA movement and traditional conservatism, we can foster a more informed debate about the future direction of American politics. It invites us to ask the vital question: What does it mean to be a conservative today, and how can we reclaim the foundational principles that underpin our democracy? In navigating these questions, we can work towards a political landscape that honors the diverse tapestry of beliefs and values that define our nation.