“Honestly, from the impression some FReepers give you’d think conservatism starts and ends with turning a profit...”
Umm...it DOES. It’s called private property.
Ironic to be called sanctimonious by someone proselytizing in their sig line...but ehhh, whatever makes you feel better.
Conservatism does NOT begin and end with turning a profit by whatever means possible, and the total lack of criticism thereof. By that logic, FReepers who wish to boycott ammunition manufacturers who are contributing to the DHS's massive ammo stockpile are being unreasonable. These companies are just trying to turn a profit! And crony-capitalist corporations that outsource jobs from America to China -- they're just trying to turn a profit for crying out loud! What right have you to complain? I could go on, but this isn't my main point.
Conservatism begins and ends with freedom...Freedom of speech, worship, privacy, the freedom to bear arms...In general, freedom from GOVERNMENT intrusion, which absolutely includes the freedom to conduct business and turn a profit. These are restrictions aimed at the government, not private citizens. Rush doesn't have a right to freedom from criticism.
I have every right to disapprove of the methods to turn a profit. And since I disapprove of Rush using his show as a 3-hour long infomercial, I have stopped listening to him.
In short, too say that conservatism begins and ends with turning a profit by whatever means possible, and the lack of criticism thereof, betrays the most shallow possible understanding of conservatism.