@"If the economy is thriving but our people are not, then what good is the economy?"

In case you can't tell, i entirely agree. I'm reading a book right now which was written in 1932, in the middle of the great depression. It basically states (i can't find the quote right now) that the economy is a human invention designed to improve the quality of life of people, and if it is failing to do so it must be re-invented.

At the time there was capability to produce more goods than every before and need for goods, but no ability to pay. Thus demand was very low. (it is amusing as he keeps making references to the 'experiment' in the Russia.. but i haven't gotten to his analysis of it)

Generally, however, i believe we have a measurement problem. We measure GDP, and thus anything which contributes to it can be consider measurably good. Unmeasurable good things can be argued over, but ultimately make no difference.

So are much easier to ignore.

You will look at people saying gay marriage is great for the marriage industry, so we should allow it. And even claiming that this is the reason certain politicians support it.

And i don't know how cynical you have to be to believe this. On the other hand, i do believe that politicians honest think that what they are doing is best, even those who think any gdp growth is in the interest of the social good.