Why the Word “Conservative” Shouldn’t Be Associated with Republicans, Continued

A New York Times headline yesterday read: “Court’s term is the most conservative since 1931.” Why is the Times so obtuse? The word conservative is supposed to have something to do with conservation, with preserving things as they are. The Court did just the opposite on practically all fronts. They severely limited the E.P.A.’s ability to slow global warming and air and water pollution. They gave states more tools to restrict voting rights. They grossly limited women’s reproductive freedom. They struck down reasonable gun safety regulations. They tilted the playing field in favor of religious interests in ways contrary to the bedrock principle of separation of church and state. There’s nothing conservative about the five right-wing justices who control the Supreme Court. Every one of is a dangerous radical.