“...ever notice how ‘moderates’ ALWAYS seem to line up with the Democrats on abortion and gay issues? What makes them ‘moderates’, anyway?”
###
You’ve nailed it.
The strain here on FR, are Liberaltarians.
The first thing they want to toss is social conservatism.
Always.
Toss social conservatism, you ultimately toss fiscal conservatism as well. Social liberalism by necessity increases the kinds of behavior which produce consequences that result in calls for bigger government and less economic liberty.