"Extremism in the pursuit of liberty -- hell, lifting a finger in the pursuit of liberty -- is a vice." --the motto of modern "conservatism"
Inventing conspiracy theories contributes absolutely nothing to the defense of liberty.
I would also argue that endorsing Gerald Ford over Ronald Reagan in 1976 - as Goldwater did - contributed absolutely nothing to the defense of liberty either.
Goldwater, McManus, Paul and the rest of their ilk = big talkers, small doers.