Senator Lindsey Graham says that repealing the Affordable Care Act is the only way to “stop a march toward socialism."  Therein lies the essence of the savagery of modern American conservatism.  

Abraham Lincoln, that same President who surprised Donald Trump by being a Republican, said, “Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.”  He spoke of a “government of the people, by the people, for the people, …”.  

Lincoln is gone (as is Frederick Douglass, to Trump’s further surprise).  Today’s conservatives believe in a government of capitalism, by capitalism, for capitalism.  They are appalled by the introduction of socialist elements to make predatory capitalism minimally humane.  Yet, they are unconcerned by the pain and suffering of tens of millions of Americans and the deaths of many.  Eternal vigilance is required to make the world safe for capitalists.    

Conservatives have made “liberal” a term of derision to their base and beyond.  It’s past time to return the favor.  It won’t be easy.  Conservatives have a horde of media outlets unconstrained by truth or decency, and they have a receptive base built from the hate filled, the grievance driven, and the resentful.  

Still, it is time to make “conservative” a pejorative.  Target it by name.  Campaign explicitly against conservatism.  

Conservatism is a callous and brutal philosophy that promotes indifference toward suffering and preaches deference to wealth.  Say so.

Conservatism is a blind and pitiless dogma bereft of human kindness.  Say so.

When enacted through a Republican Party that has no moral compass and a lust for power, conservatism becomes a threat to our republic and to ourselves.  Say so.

And do not stop saying so.  Poison the brand.