[quote=surveyor]flu, not sure your /sarcasm is off but here goes:
“The American founders believed, and capitalism rests on the belief, that people are driven by “self-interest” and the desire to better our condition. Self-interest is not necessarily bad; in fact, Smith believed, and capitalism presupposes, that the general welfare depends on allowing an individual to pursue his self-interest “as long as he does not violate the laws of justice.” When a person acts in his own interest, “he frequently promotes [the interest] of society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. ”7
Here it is important to distinguish between self-interest and selfishness. Self-interest—unlike selfishness—will often lead one to commit acts of altruism; rightly understood, it knows that no man is an island, that we are part of a larger community, and that what is good for others is good for us. To put it another way: Pursuing our own good can advance the common good. Even more, advancing the common good can advance our own good.
“WASHINGTON (AP) — After business executives had their turn at the White House, President Barack Obama is giving a shot to union leaders fuming over the tax bill he intended to sign a few hours after Friday’s meeting.
The deal with congressional Republicans included a union-sought extension of jobless benefits, but passage came “at a terrible price,” said the AFL-CIO president’s Richard Trumka.
Trumka criticized the extension of Bush-era tax rates for the highest wage-earners, arguing that money could have been used to invest in the creation of jobs.”
Union jobs? Oh my….
Here we go again… “Us versus them” arguments all over. Everyone trying to spend other people’s moeny……Hey union leaders, if you want to create more jobs, how about cutting some of the pensions??? :)…Nevermind, I’m withdrawing that statement.
Funny how everyone has a great idea on how to make the economy better…But even more funny the expectation is someone else to pay the bills to do it.
Oh well, at least we have some balance in the government now….
