<html><DIV></DIV> <P>Justin writes:</P><EM>>It is interesting that "politicsd: in the sense of pursuit of </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>>self-interest--in this highly individualistic country--is a swear </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>>word. </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>>Somehow, when the government is concerned, it's somehow bad to have </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>>interest </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>>groups struggling for advantage, whereas in the market, </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>>self-interest is </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>>applauded. Anyone have any ideas about why? </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>> </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV></DIV><EM>>--jks </EM> <DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>Politics is a dirty word in part because there is a realization among the ruling class that politics can represent a threat to their interests. This view of politics is disseminated through the corporate media and other ideological institutions. Without political conflict, mobilization and stuggle in society, the continuance of the status quo is assured. A torpid, demoralized population is naturally preferred.</DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV></DIV> <DIV>Joseph</DIV><br clear=all><hr>Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at <a href="http://www.hotmail.com">http://www.hotmail.com</a>.<br></p></html>