Why do we call conservatives “conservatives”? Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines conserve: ”to keep in a safe or sound state” or “to avoid wasteful or destructive use of.” 

What are today’s “conservatives” conserving? They are not conserving the U.S. Constitution. They are not conserving our system of checks and balances. 

Since January of 2025, all three branches of government have been “conservative.” But between June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026, the national debt has increased by $3,250,929,028,953.05. (That’s trillion.)

The “conservatives” have been spending money not approved by Congress. Spending it on a war of choice, the destruction of the East Wing, the “upgrade” of the reflecting pool, the excess spending of the now reckless ICE and its many detention centers. 

The “conservatives” have not conserved many of the programs that had been created by Congress to help people in need. The “conservatives” don’t seem interested in conservation, and in fact they have acted in ways that will be damaging to the environment.

I recommend that we stop calling them “conservatives” and find something else to call them. What might others suggest?

Jean Bryenton
Westbrook