Bipartisan Hypocrisy

In Bipartisan Hypocrisy Victor Davis Hanson writes at Real Clear Politics that:

The political leaders of this country are essentially too often homogenous. Republicans may represent constituents of traditional values; Democrats may champion the underprivileged. But their similar lifestyles reflect more a political class’s shared privilege than the inherent differences of their respective constituents’ beliefs. National figures may talk conservative or liberal, but they both are more likely to act like libertines.

I have a different interpretation of the meaning of the high and comfortable living of our leaders. Dems tend to believe that a better life for all of us comes from raising the tide to raise all ships. That the overall quality of life for all of us is enhanced when all of us enjoy education, health care, security and safety nets that keep us from becoming desperate. Life is not a zero sum game.

The GOP seems to believe that life is survival of the fittest, that it is futile to resist the reality that there are winners and losers, that resources to promote fairness and opportunity for others is an expense rather than an investment for the “haves.” I happen to support the conservative fundamental of optimizing free markets but mainly because I observe that it is the most efficient tactic for raising all ships, not just because it makes the fittest more fit.

I live a comfortable life style and believe that the way to preserve and enhance that life style is to help elevate the wellbeing of those around me.