Poisoned Spring

The right ordering of economic life cannot be left to a free competition of forces. For from this source, as from a poisoned spring, have originated and spread all the errors of individualist economic teaching. ... [F]ree competition, while justified and certainly useful provided it is kept within certain limits, clearly cannot direct economic life - a truth which the outcome of the application in practice of the tenets of this evil individualistic spirit has more than sufficiently demonstrated

– Pope Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno (1931)

In this week's sift:

• Jesus Shrugged -- why Christianity and Ayn Rand don't mix. Rep. Paul Ryan can't have it both ways: He can't be a good Catholic as well as a good Randist. The Church is right not to let him wash his cruel budget in the blood of the lamb.
• How Understanding Should Liberals Be?  Jonathan Haidt's The Righteous Mind explains to liberals how conservatives can be good people too. But is there anything useful we can do with that information?
• Bad Arguments and other short notes. Logical fallacies, the pyramid of refutation, and excuses conservatives use when the facts prove them wrong. Plus:  Obama jams and does comedy. MTP regulars condescend to argue with Rachel Maddow. Maybe high-fructose corn syrup doesn't cause autism. Where to hear me Wednesday. And more.
• Last week's most popular post. It's rare for the short-notes post to be the most popular, but Working for the Man and other short notes was, with 161 views.