I take exception to this reasoning. It sounds oh so tolerant but just serves to give cover to evil. Extremism on the left violates our basic rights of free conscience and free association. Extremism on the the right defends these rights. I can stand a little conservative extremism right about now...
“Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And… moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!”
-- Barry Goldwater
I get your point to be sure but, the politcal right has its extremes, too. Extremism from the right is not; however, asking for balanced budgets and protecting the constitution. Those are simply principals.
Extremism from the right side of the aisle includes strong religous views (to the point where no alternative can be accepted) and blatent sexism as well as racism. A conservative believes in some sort of social safety net as long as it doesn’t become a hammock and/or a ponzy scheme like our current policies have become. An extreme right winger doesn’t even believe in the safety net to begin with.