Johnny We Hardly Knew Ye

John Maynard Keynes

 

What in the heck is John Maynard Keynes doing in a self-described Republican blog?  Growing up in a fiercely Republican household, I learned quickly to equate Dr. Keynes’ name with socialism.  However, I have since learned that this is not exactly accurate.  The primary tenet of socialism is the public ownership of the “means of production,” which Keynes did not advocate.  In these times of big government and massive bailouts there are important distinctions to be drawn.  

Animal Spirits, published last year, coincidentally around the time of the financial system’s collapse, expounded on for nearly 200 pages, and I found myself disagreeing with a great deal of it.  However it did outline an important point that goes right to the heart of our capitalist system and to the role of governance. 

G.O.P. Wins! Now What?

Last Tuesday’s election results have been hailed as a rejection of President Obama’s first year.  Local politics aside, that does seem to be the case.   Even the late-night talk show hosts are starting to take their shots.  However, it’s not time to celebrate.  There is still plenty to do.  Republicans must develop our own agenda that will take us farther into the 21^st Century than the next election, and tea parties aren’t the answer.

The truth is that neither party is adequately addressing the real issues regarding the economy.  As Republicans, we obviously don’t believe that massive new government spending is the answer, but, unfortunately, there is nothing new in what Republicans are saying.

The Greed of Gordon Gekko

If pop-culture is a mirror on society, then the character of Gordon Gekko is an excellent example.  Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for his portrayal of the character in the 1987 movie Wall Street.  The character became something of a national hero.  Many Americans related to his powerful “greed is good” speech.  This is how the speech went:

“The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms; greed for life, for money, for love; knowledge; has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA.”