How Conservativism Has Changed

From Glenn Greenwald:

Merely advocating what Reagan explicitly adopted as his policy — “to use democracy’s most potent tool, the rule of law against” Terrorists — is now the exclusive province of civil liberties extremists. In those rare cases when Obama does what Reagan’s policy demanded in all instances and what even Bush did at times — namely, trials and due process for accused Terrorists — he is attacked as being “Soft on Terror” by Democrats and Republicans alike. And the mere notion that we should prosecute torturers (as Reagan bound the U.S. to do) — or even hold them accountable in ways short of criminal proceedings — is now the hallmark of a Far Leftist Purist.

Even though Conservatives constantly pay homage to Ronald Reagan, they have nothing to do with his way of thinking or living anymore. What can be more pathetic and frightening than seeing people disrespect a man they purport to respect, to honor the icon, but ignore the spirit?