Conservatism is the theoretical voice of this animus against the agency of the subordinate classes. It provides the most consistent and profound argument as to why the lower orders should not be allowed to exercise their independent will, why they should not be allowed to govern themselves or the polity. Submission is their first duty, and agency the prerogative of the elite.

The Reactionary Mind: Conservatism from Edmund Burke to Donald Trump

Even if they weren’t straight-up fascist in the past (highly debatable), conservatism is a blight on liberty. The only potential difference is degree, not kind.