In this case, I'm referring to the notion that we all make minor sacrifices in our daily interactions in service of a "greater good" for everyone.
"Following the rules" would be a simplified version of what I'm talking about, I suppose. But also keeping an awareness/attitude about "How will my choices affect the people around me in this moment? "Common courtesy", "situational awareness", etc...
I don't know that it's a "new" phenomenon by any means, I just seem to have an increasing (subjective) awareness of it's decline of late.
We should absolutely call them out on being hypocrites. These are people who vote against their own interests and against anyone's interest who isn't a billionaire. They do not care about the waste until it's spent, ironically, helping poor people. But if a Republican wastes trillions on war or even raises their taxes, they're as quiet as a mouse.
I wish it were as simple as you say. Republicans would never make into office again. But you're entirely wrong about that simplicity