Choice and Reward vs. Force and Punishment

Choice and Reward vs. Force and Punishment

Embattled partisans can’t compromise in Congress because they disagree so profoundly on the core question facing any society: how do you get people to behave constructively? The left wants to shape conduct by regulation and force, the right by incentive and choice. Liberals rely on punishment; conservatives emphasize reward. These differences cut so deep and permeate so many issues that it’s nearly impossible for the two sides to locate that elusive common ground.

The debate over health care reform provides an obvious example of the contrasting world views. Democrats demand a national “mandate” that would force every American to secure government-approved...