“Like all platitudes, “compassionate conservative” is a hollow sentiment designed to soothe the simple-minded.”
And it does! I constantly have to paddle upstream against the stereotype of conservatism that the title creates. Given the opportunity to speak to young people they seem almost amazed when I explain that compassion is an element - a pre-existing quality - of conservatism, not an add-on feature.
The phrase carries water for libs; for years liberals have either directly asserted or implied that they are the ideology of compassion; they are for the poor and disenfranchised and that Republicans (and conservatives) are misogynistic, racist and oppressive of the poor.
Adding “compassionate” in front of the word “conservative”, basically admits that liberals are correct. That Democrats (liberals) are the more compassionate and nurturing of the two ideologies. Hogwash!
I strongly disagree. For obvious reasons LBJs “Big Society” was racist and pandered to minorities, Bill Clinton’s escapades were/are merely a form of hatred of women and,...well, what can you say about the party that supports and advocates abortion and partial birth abortion as a “compassionate” choice?
Well said!