Conservative economic policy based on religious ideology intead of mathematics

[francolettieri]

Thats what it seems like to me, am I right?

I just wish every elected democrat, and all that are trying to get elected was as nasty and effective as Alan Grayson!!

[Enthusiast]

1. First of all, I love Alan Grayson.

But I don't think I agree that the right wing economic policy is based on religious ideology. Economic policy should be far more equitable under Christianity. It appears to me that right wing economic policy is based more on Ayn Rand style selfishness.

[immoderate]

2. Ayn-Randism is not selfish by definition.

Once you buy into the philosophy, then your transgressions are transformed into virtues. Randians are not selfish, they are practicing enlightened self interest, and therefore they are immune to accusations of dickishness.

This is similar to the way that religion offers cover to irrational behavior, such as controlling the sex act in others as a matter of "conscience." An adherent can rationalize that bad behavior is a virtue with the right level of belief.


--imm

[Enthusiast]

3. You mean they justify this selfishness?

Whatever it is, I don't like it.

[immoderate]

4. They make it a virtue.

You must call it enlightened self interest, and then it's a good thing.

--imm

[Huey P. Long]

5. This used to be a good term. Enlightened self interest used to

mean that you should support SS, min. wage, etc., because it helps society and you, even if you derive no direct benefit at the time. So they've twisted that too?

[immoderate]

6. I see that it applies there...

but I've always associated it with Objectivist tracts that I used to read in college. :shrug:

--imm