The conservative idea is not that government has no role. You might have argued that in the thirties when conservatives opposed the New Deal.
This quote highlights the nuanced understanding of conservatism, emphasizing that it does not equate to complete opposition to government intervention. Instead, conservatives may critique specific policies or expanded government roles while still recognizing the necessity of government in certain areas. Historically, conservatives opposed the New Deal not for the idea of government intervention itself but for the extent and manner in which it was implemented, reflecting a more cautious approach. This perspective challenges simplistic notions of political ideology, underscoring the importance of context and historical circumstances in shaping conservative thought.
