# Conservative policy successes

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-policy-successes/667234>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [August 26, 2013, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-policy-successes/667234 "2013-08-26T18:44:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 5

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**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-policy-successes/667234/81 "2013-08-29T14:50:06Z")

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> [@BrainGlutton](#):
>
> We need to keep in mind that imported petroleum represents a **real and external** cost to a national economy. If its price goes up, the price of everything else goes up, because we use it not only to transport people, but to produce and transport goods. That is a form of inflation monetary policy cannot fix.

Yup, especially in the US economy, which has a very significant **energy intensity**. Google that for more info. It’s an interesting subject, and one I’m still a bit fuzzy on the details.

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**Author:** ![puddleglum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puddleglum/32/137_2.png) [@puddleglum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puddleglum)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2013, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-policy-successes/667234/82 "2013-08-29T18:22:00Z")

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> [@BrainGlutton](#):
>
> We need to keep in mind that imported petroleum represents a **real and external** cost to a national economy. If its price goes up, the price of everything else goes up, because we use it not only to transport people, but to produce and transport goods. That is a form of inflation monetary policy cannot fix.

But if the price of oil goes up there is less money for other goods and demand for those goods fall. Every dollar spent on oil or for products made with oil is one less dollar that can be spent on other products. However if the amount of dollars go up you can spend more on oil and on other products.

If you look at core inflation which does not include oil and food, it went up under Volcker until Jan 1981 when Reagan was elected. There may be some bleed through from oil prices but not enough to explain what happened.

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**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2013, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-policy-successes/667234/83 "2013-08-31T21:39:47Z")

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> [@Debaser](#):
>
> So says you.
> 
> The vast majority of Americans disagrees with you though, and will as long as you live.

The same can be said of belief in angels.

“Success,” again, is a funny word, and a poor measure of rightness. Dark Ages Christianity was very successful for a long time. It was also rooted in a determined & oppressive superstition, and actively hostile to science & education.  
\_

As for freedom:

Gun rights advocates say they’re increasing freedom. What freedom? The freedom to own guns.

Pornographers who fight against censorship say they’re increasing freedom. What freedom? The freedom to publish smut.

Indentured servitude advocates say they’re increasing freedom. What freedom? The freedom to hold what amount to slaves.

NAMBLA say they’re for increasing freedom. What freedom? The freedom to be pederasts.

Education advocates say they’re increasing freedom. What freedom? The freedom to learn.

Freedom, generalized and unqualified, isn’t good or bad. It matters what freedom you seek.

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