I can see that you argue in good faith and I apologize for some reddit impulses that I haven’t unlearned yet.

You and me both man. Someone the other day said "that classic reddit performative snark" and fuck me if it didn't feel like I heard a gunshot. Looking through this thread I came pretty close to going full tilt that direction again. Still learning I suppose.

Personally I don’t see the equation of leftism with defending CP in OPs post though.

So I'm a little surprised to see this. The image explicitly says:

THE "LEFTIST"
No ethical consumption under capitalism. Legalize child porn NOW!" (bolding my own)

So the post to me is saying "leftists want to legalize child porn." With Vaush as a poster for all leftists. I do not see it as purely about Vaush anymore than i see the "Plants Rights Activist" commentary being about solely Joe Rogan (which funny enough is not even a stance I think he holds, but I dislike him and don't care to confirm lol).

Let me give another example: If I was making a meme and put "Conservatives [insert picture of George Bush above it]: Wants their steak bloody. Hates gay people." Would you say "ah this is just about George Bush" or would you see it as I see it, which is a statement about ALL conservatives with simply an image of one?

The images are just meant to accent the content, not be taken directly as the subject. Does that make sense?