Telling Them by Their Motivation
Imagine an issue with two opposing factions:
- One organization was formed with no commercial incentive, but because people believe advocating a particular side on the issue will literally save lives and, more broadly, produce a healthier, more moral and just society.
- The opposing organization is a major service provider with heavy investment in the issue in question, although its advocates do claim its work improves (maybe even saves) lives and supports fundamental rights and freedoms. Of course, the key service its provides on the issue is literally killing young human beings.
Readers will likely have guessed that the issue in question is abortion, and the juxtaposition struck me while reading Ted Nesi’s weekend bullet-column this morning. Being mainly concerned with politics, Nesi looks at the vying lobbying of Rhode Island Right to Life and of Planned Parenthood. It makes one wonder what would happen to the pro-abortion cause if the direct financial self interest were removed from the equation.