Commentary on Conservative Economics as Social Darwinism

Social Darwinism calls for those who are naturally strong and inclined to positions of power to rise above and do what is necessary to support themselves in a competitive world. According to Robert Reich, Republicans have taken to a economic philosophy mildly resembling social Darwinism to reform our injured economy after a Recession that began in 2008. Reich draws upon the similarities in the agendas of millionaire industrialist Andrew Mellon and Republican giants such as Speaker of the House John Boehner. While it is true that Mellon, who was Hoover's Secretary of Treasury at the time of the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and Boehner, who was in a similar position of importance at the time of economic instability shared the similar economic-political agendas of shrinking government, cutting the federal deficit, reducing the national debt, and balancing the budget, Reich, an outspoken liberal, does frame Boehner using the words of the notoriously insensitive businessman turned politician Mellon.

An interesting parallel that can be drawn between Mellon and Boehner's economy-saving philosophies is the need to reduce government role in the economy. Both similarly believe that government is at least partially responsible for the economy's derailment. This can be assimilated with the aspect of social Darwinist theory that forced human interference with the natural way of the world is detrimental to the social and other core structures of daily life. The fact that prominent GOP politicians believe that an objective force in the economy, like the government, is causing such serious problems to the economy is akin to the basic beliefs of social Darwinism. Is it fair to call all conservative politicians and economist social Darwinists? No, for that generalizes too much information and attempts to assimilate unique economic situations through large periods of history where there are too many important variables to disregard. But, it is true that economic superstars such as Carnegie and Mellon, who obviously support social Darwinism as a "cleansing tool" for the American economy share somewhat agnate ideologies with present day American conservatives.

Just how far can we go with drawing parallels throughout different periods in American history? Yes, while the basic philosophy of Social Darwinism remains in tact throughout the years, so many other variables in American life have changed. Is this fair?