Read on Twitter
The entire debate over Twitter and Parler is a perfect example of how four years of Trump has atrophied the Republican Party’s ability to make principled arguments on behalf of conservatism. A thread: 1/
So called “conservatives” have dropped any pretense that they believe in issues anymore. They simply believe in a person, and are willing to bend their positions to stroke the president. It’s why they didn’t even bother with a platform at the RNC. 2/
The proper conservative answer to the Trump vs. Twitter fight is that private companies cannot be forced to do business those whose beliefs they find objectionable, whether they’re baking a cake or hosting social media messages. 3/
One can debate the *wisdom* of blocking Trump – for one, it gives the anti-anti Trumpers the chance to dig into their well-worn playbook of criticizing reactions to what Trump does, not his actual actions. For them, it is never THE THING, it is always REACTION TO THE THING. 4/
Instead, Team MAGA lies and bend facts to fit whatever helps Trump at any point, whether it’s because they’re afraid of being pariahs or they are keeping alive political hopes for the future. And now they are actually fighting for more government regulation of online speech. 5/
There is nothing “conservative” about wanting to regulate who social media platforms agree to do business with, or lying to people about who won the election, or shaming people who wear masks, or laying down to dictators, or tariffs, or any of it. 6/
But that is what an entire new generation thinks “conservatives” are. 7/
At some point, America is going to need a political party that fights for free markets, less regulation, lower taxes, for life, and personal freedom. And the GOP is completely incapable of making these arguments, as it has lost its moral and intellectual standing. 8/
That’s why this is all so frustrating. The president incited a crowd to threaten to kill members of Congress. There has never been a better time for Republicans to take the off-ramp from this madness, and too many refuse to do so. The future cost will be incalculable. 9/
Further, any attempt to unify the future GOP will be seen as a repudiation of its nutjobs, driving them further to the fringes and fomenting even more dangerous actions. And the Cruzes and Hawleys will be happy to fish in that hole. /10
Trump is over. Mama's ringing the dinner bell - t’s time for everyone to come home. Impeach him and we can all start fresh. It’s not like there isn’t a progressive left out there that deserves vigorous opposition. We just need the arguments and moral standing to do so. /11
And...scene. /fin
