May 28, 2008
Public Service Signaling
Arnold Kling
Messrs. Obama and McCain are telling us Americans that our normal lives are not good enough, that pursuing our own happiness is "self-indulgence," that building a business is "chasing after our money culture," that working to provide a better life for our families is a "narrow concern."
The ideal of public service fits very well with Robin Hanson's notion of the widespread prevalence of signaling. It is very important to signal that you are a benevolent person with a collectivist mentality, even if the reality often conflicts with the signal. As Boaz points out,
Mr. Obama, who made $4.2 million last year and lives in a $1.65 million house bought with the help of the indicted Tony Rezko – and whose "elegant suits" and "impeccable ties" made him one of Esquire's Best-Dressed Men in the World – disdains college students who might want to "chase after the big house and the nice suits." Mr. McCain, who with his wife earned more than $6 million last year and who owns at least seven homes, ridicules Mr. Romney for having built businesses.
The way I see it, in November I will have a choice between two Spitzers.
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