Why is conservatism so tightly linked with free market capitalism? Economic policy is not supposed to involve empathy, but our core philosophy must justify conspicuous consumption juxtaposed with our preachy austere convictions. This sounds like a difficult problem to tackle, but like the Bible, if you line-item-veto the parts that don't apply to you it's not difficult to piece together a doctrine of selfishness that includes a strict ethic of conservatism. Isn't the drive for survival really a drive to fulfill our primal needs (food, warmth, sex, football)? A balanced life is not static. You dip into the cookie jar and then you say a few hail Mary's to atone.
It's the same with capitalism. We play hard until we're so caught up in the game we commit personal fouls. Then we atone by giving back some of the yards we gained. This may include a short stint in jail depending on the transgression, but redemption is always possible (except in TX, GA, VA and NH). If we're forced to be compassionate by an ethic (or a government), it's no longer empathy. A selfless act is a self destructive act so if we all sacrifice ourselves we end up with useless watch chains or a set of combs without any hair. Regulating the economy would be like having God as a referee. How is it free will if you can't step over the line?
Bowling with bumpers is for the weak.
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