Artful Dodger: You are correct, the Bible has nothing directly to do with public policy. And thank goodness for that! May Church & State ever remain separated.

It is people who make public policy. Some of them are atheists, yes. My father was an atheist, and a fine man to boot. People, however, are influenced by any number of things. Christians are reportedly influenced by their sacred texts. I would assume, and hope, that the Bible would inspire those who honor it, to be moved by the same pity God is presented therein as being moved by, when they contribute to public policy making.

To me, a plea from pity is a very sound argument. It is basic human kindness. I believe there is a hard, cold edge to your viewpoint, if you can't see the soundness in it. I also believe such pity is more "adaptable" for the human species, in an evolutionary sense. It inspires behavior & interaction that will make our earth sustainable for generations to come. To the contrary, it is pitilessness, or disregard, and the policies enacted or neglected because of it, which most threaten our survival.

I realize that "socialism" is a dirty word to you. Perhaps you have a visceral reaction when you think it, speak it or read it. You have been enculturated, as we all are. In any case, the word doesn't offend me. Label my ideas (not really mine) as you please. You can call them Communist or Satanist for that matter. If they will save lives, they are pretty good ones.