It's a term self-assigned to a certain political group.
Then turned into a derogatory aspersion by their political enemies.
Almost exactly like the term "truther".
Hide and protect the neocons no matter what?
Hide? Allow them to reside secretly in my cellar?
Why on earth would anyone want to "hide them"?
It may be difficult for you to comprehend, but conservatives, and even neo-cons, are generally proud to identified with their beliefs.
Just like liberals are generally proud to be identified with theirs.
Adolescents frequently find this concept difficult to grasp.
Now "protect" is a different matter.
I do consider it a part of "my job" (i.e., civic duty) to protect them in a way.
Just exactly like its my duty to protect liberals, libertarians, religious folk, atheists, different races, creeds, genders, etc. etc. etc.
In other words, to protect their right to express their opinions.
A job that even extends to truthers.
And to racists, and misogynists, holocaust deniers, snake oil salesmen, etc.
And even to CEOs, politicians and lawyers.
(As distasteful as any of the above may be at the time.)
Nobody, in any category, gets protection "no matter what".
And they are all subject to the same rules.
I'll defend anyone's right to say anything that they want. No matter how right, wrong, idiotic, stupid, hateful, etc. And the right of others to contradict them, point fingers & laugh, etc.
Hurt someone else, and you'll have to face appropriate consequences.
IMO, it's everyone's "job". That is, civic duty, to stand up for everyone's rights.
And responsibilities.
Yeah, yeah, kids tend to focus on rights, and tend to ignore responsibilities. An artifact of immaturity.
tk