"You want the penny and the bun" is a well known phrase to use on someone who wants to buy a bun yet keep the penny. I find this attitude is so prevalent in modern political discourse that the phrase deserves to be promoted to a verb.

pennybun, v , to promote an idea that does not follow recieved wisdom/ convention while claiming that the idea ultimately strengthens received wisdom /convention.

The problem with pennybunning is that received wisdom/convention is often the root cause of the problem that the idea is trying to overcome.

examples are

1) Education - projects that are nothing to do with achieving grades are frequently justified on the grounds that they will improve grades.

Yet the pursuit of grades is causing great damage to the health and wellbeing of young people.

What's wrong with a broad education for young people being important per se?

Shouldn't it be MORE important than grades?

2) GDP - projects that are nothing to do with increasing GDP - such as those that promote mental health and well being - are frequently justified on the basis they increase efficiency and thereby increase GDP.

Yet the pursuit of increasing GDP is causing great damage to the environment and to some people's health and well being.

What's wrong with the wellbeing of the population being important per se?

Shouldn't it be MORE important than GDP?

3) Business - side projects that are ethical and charitable are frequently justified on the basis that they will bring extra business and profits.

Yet the pursuit of maximising profit is unlikely to maximise social goals and in all probablilty will be detrimental to them.

What's wrong with public service being important per se?

Shouldn't it be MORE important than maximising profits?


4) Personal happiness - projects that involve volunteering to help others are frequently justified on the basis that they will improve your own personal state of affairs.

What's wrong with taking a hit to help others?

Shouldn't some personal sacrifice be expected if you are to help others?