Paul, I think you’re exactly on target — believers in political “isms” (communism, libertarianism, etc.) each have a political religion. Each religion has a catechism of fundamental beliefs and rules and they are First Principles. Those rules aren’t actually logical or pragmatic or based on common sense or effectiveness. They just are. See my article: Communism, Conservatism, & Libertarianism Are Political Religions. Let’s Abandon Government By Religion