Hi clo,
I think this is Ryan's influence. And it is important to recognise just how this guy isn't so much a thinker as an enthused follower.
He's pursuing Ayn Rand's ideas of virtuous economics, of muscular individualism. And these are very similar to what we call Social Darwinism. Ryan is an absolute believer in the righteousness of these ideas. He and the other Republicans are rabid enforcers of a Randian orthodoxy within the Republican party.
This isn't a general idea. It is very specific. In particular, Krugman points to a speech in Atlas Shrugged by a character called Francisco d’Anconia in praise of gold currency. Ryan joins the ticket and next thing, Republicans are talking about a return to the gold standard. One step.
No person who has studied currency over the ages is going to support the notion of a return to a gold currency. But if you have a belief system to make you think it is an invincible idea, then gold currency it must be. I suspect Ayn Rand had no clue about the history of debasement of the coinage from its inception through to its replacement. But that doesn't matter so much to an ideologue like Ryan. Followers don't question their leader.
All resembles the Wave conversation a little bit, doesn't it. Adherence rather than curiosity. Here's a great example:
"Re: Last Haven [5 recommendation(s)]
By: Bull_Dolphin in WAVX DD | Recommend this post (5)
Fri, 24 Aug 12 8:13 AM | 325 view(s)
WAVX DD Longs Board Msg. 14243 of 14252
(This msg. is a reply to 14242 by snackman)
I think you give them too much credit. I think they are too jaded to go long.
Thanks for keeping this a civil board. It's nice that some of our members, who are so inclined, have to go to other places to spew their venom."
and this
"Re: Last Haven [2 recommendation(s)]
Fri, 24 Aug 12 11:32 AM | 206 view(s)
Boardmark this board | WAVX DD Longs Board Msg. 14245 of 14253
(This msg. is a reply to 14242 by snackman)
Hear, hear and thanks again for providing the quiet place to think. Without you, I would not have hung around so long and would have sold. You brought great people to this board who provide significant knowledge and while this board may not have been correct on the timing of TC, it certainly projected it over a decade ago. I learned a lot here and hope to continue.
Now...let's get that stock price moving firmly and permanently in the right direction."
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