Sure, but there are just as many here on FR that are Hardcore Republicans first, then critical thinkers second.
IMHO, I'm a conservative precisely because I'm a critical thinker. Being able to objectively and dispassionately discuss ideas should be a foundation to conservatism. It's one thing that separates us from Democrats.
BTW, I don't think that conservatism = Republican so much anymore. In many ways, they're a close approximation and closer to conservatism than Democrats....but in many others, they're little more than Democrat-lite. BUT - that's a whole other thread, and something that we could kick back and forth all night. :-)
“BTW, I don’t think that conservatism = Republican so much anymore.”
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Agreed. A sad state of affairs.
I understand your point, now. Thanks for the clarification.