I think the reaction is because they fear that those who are complaining are suggesting that the government start regulating everything. I'm willing to just regulate the government, and try to keep all of the street lights pointing down and being shielded. If I have a problem with a homeowner, I'll just knock on their door, ask them to come look through my telescope, and if they accept, I will show them why their bright lights hurt our viewing.
If they refuse, I will nicely ask them to turn off their lights while I am observing. I think most people will at least understand. I do not want to make lots of laws. This is a courtesy thing.
You're right, conservatives are astronomers too (or is that astronomers are conservatives too?), there isn't a communist thing about it.
Does anyone read? NO ONE SAID COMMUNISM EXCEPT BIGGERTEN (a pro CfDS poster).
This is not an unfounded *fear* of a future orwellian/randian dark society: the legislation is here today. There is a movement to coersively change how business is conducted via lighting (see the section entitled 11PM light curfew). All of this is due to a false idea that light "pollutes" and does harm to the environment.
And there are people on this thread that can't handle progress, that can't close a window shade, that can't accept their town has become a city, can't take a vacation into a dark rural area, that feel stargazing is more important than trade and safety... and if that wasn't bad enough, there's even one person that suggests light pollution is the cause of America failing in science testing.