Nah, this isn't a political thing, it's an asshole thing

I'd imagine that the odds of that person being conservative in a town of 300 people are like 99%.

Yes I do think it was championed by conservative people. And if that statement pisses anyone off, my evidence is that Fannin County GA, where this took place, voted 82% for Trump. It's almost as if the whole "government overreach" thing is just empty marketing for policies that make rich people richer...

I still see children walking alone where I live, but I'll admit that I can't compare it to when I was young because I don't pass by elementary schools before/after school to be able to see them.

I could definitely see it championed by some conservative people. Both ends of the political spectrum can have tendencies towards government control, depending on the topic.

Conservatism is often built upon fear. Also consider all of the studies linking right-wing political views to physiological differences like bigger amygdalas (which play a role in fear).

Some people will be fearful that children need to be protected at all costs, so they'll do things like this.

Just remember which side is doing things "for the children" as a scapegoat...hide the gays for the children, no drag story time to protect the children, no sex education (even books) to keep the children innocent. No walking alone outside to protect the children.

I'm not saying this particular Karen was Conservative, but I'm saying that she could be. I'm not sure why you're blaming Liberal people, but I'm sure you have explanations like I do (and I'd be curious to hear them), but I'd wager that the problem is not exclusively tied to either side of the political spectrum.

These days "conservatives" despise anything that has a hint of government smell on it. Not because of anything meaningful or anything, of course, just that "government bad".

The government stopping doctors from practicing medicine is overreach every “conservative” votes for. Stopping a person from growing a plant and then consuming it is government overreach that every “conservative” votes for. Unconstitutional seizure of money without a fair trial is government overreach that every “conservative” votes for. Forcing ~~sharia~~christian indoctrination into school curriculums is government overreach that every “conservative” votes for.

This sort of nanny state neighbor hood busy body bullshit is constantly perpetuated by elderly conservatives with too much time on their hands.

Liberals arent the fucking snowflakes conservatives claim they are, but conservatives sure act like one.

Conservatives hate government overreach

Unless someone is gay

Then the government should reach all around to prevent them participating in public life.

She kept mentioning how he could have been run over, or kidnapped or 'anything' could have happened

This is the type of fear mongering fox pushes daily in the name of "protect the children". This happened in a conservative town. You are full of shit.

That's not what neglect is

In what way?

Help me understand what your definition of neglect is.