But that was four years ago.So, in terms of placing family before 'the acquisition of property and possessions', Trump's VC pick is advocating a societal system that is somewhat at odds with the unfettered free market economic model so favoured by this lunatic's acolytes whereby the pursuit of material wealth appears to be an aim in itself. Just remind me, what exactly does Vance stand for?
My best attempt to translate from Vance’s warped mind palace is that you should take his statements about what he prioritises with a huge pinch of salt.
What he is trying to project here is that modern America is losing its grip on the “traditional family household”. That being man in charge. Wife and child may have a very different sense of “virtue” but they are ultimately subordinate to the virtuous man who heads the household. That structure is engrained within the virtue of the household. We’ll ignore the bit where Aristotle talks about how you should treat slaves.
What he’s saying is acquiring assets is still important - but this structure is more important and underpins everything.
He has a way of looking at the world which wouldn’t look out of place in Victorian Britain.
You make a fair point Johnny. I worded my comment clumsily. Regardless of the model of capitalism, I feel there's a fundamental contradiction at the heart of Vance's argument as he seems to want to have his cake and eat it. I'm no expert on economics or philosophy but what I do know is that Aristotle espoused that economics should be a moral science that didn't seek unlimited wealth but provided for the common good. That would appear to be at odds with a warped political ideology which appears to favour almost complete self-reliance over even limited government intervention to assist those in need.I disagree.
The old Friedman / Reganomics free market capitalist model went out of the window years ago. This is a new social conservatism that’s built on inward facing dogmatic protectionism rather than liberal economics.
In a weird way Trump’s economic policy has got more in common with the old Soviet state capitalism model than it does with the traditional American free market, free trade globalisation model.
Whacking 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs is a great example.
This is a good discussion, but I really think you’re over-analyzing. The whole Trump/ MAGA thing is tantamount to new religion being born right in front of our eyes. How is it really any different to Joseph Smith? Some scurrilous bloke, steeped in self-interest, but who has some ability to sell himself, comes out with a ‘vision’ and idiots flock to him.You make a fair point Johnny. I worded my comment clumsily. Regardless of the model of capitalism, I feel there's a fundamental contradiction at the heart of Vance's argument as he seems to want to have his cake and eat it. I'm no expert on economics or philosophy but what I do know is that Aristotle espoused that economics should be a moral science that didn't seek unlimited wealth but provided for the common good. That would appear to be at odds with a warped political ideology which appears to favour almost complete self-reliance over even limited government intervention to assist those in need.
Agree, there's pretty solid signs we are over peak Trump.This is a good discussion, but I really think you’re over-analyzing. The whole Trump/ MAGA thing is tantamount to new religion being born right in front of our eyes. How is it really any different to Joseph Smith? Some scurrilous bloke, steeped in self-interest, but who has some ability to sell himself, comes out with a ‘vision’ and idiots flock to him.
Just like any religion, it’s full of mad contradictions and things made up on the spot to benefit their temporary needs. There’s no point looking for any internal cohesiveness and consistency.
Just like any religion, it’s full of mad contradictions and things made up on the spot to benefit their temporary needs. There’s no point looking for any internal cohesiveness and consistency.