Frank Wilhoit: “Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition …There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.”
> That's about as useful as saying Democrats sit on the left and Republicans on the right. It does not produce any understanding at all.
Then I think you misunderstand the quote. There is a very clear message in it.
> And for the record, you can substitute Conservatism for Progressivism and the statement would carry no less veracity, and the same utility.
No, you cannot. Progressivism is fundamentally based on moving towards equality, conservatism is not. This is why conservatism makes sense in the previous quote and progressivism doesn't.
Progressivism obsesses over equality of outcome. Conservatism obsesses over equality of opportunity. In this respect the two groups often strive to solve the same problems, but disagree on the cause, leading to fundamental disagreements over policy.
Progressives often demonize conservatives (the out-group to their in-group). This is why progressivism may be substituted in the quote.
> Progressivism obsesses over equality of outcome.
No, that is inaccurate. Progressivism works towards equality of opportunity.
> Conservatism obsesses over equality of opportunity.
No, that is inaccurate. Conservatism works towards inequality of opportunity.
> Progressives often demonize conservatives (the out-group to their in-group). This is why progressivism may be substituted in the quote.
And yet progressives fight for equality of conservatives, whereas conservatives fight for inequality of progressives. This is why you can't substitute progressivism in the quote.
And for the record, you can substitute Conservatism for Progressivism and the statement would carry no less veracity, and the same utility.