You're already doing them a favor by treating neoliberalism like a genuine, measurable economic philosophy.

Maybe once upon a time, way back when it was first suggested, some people might have actually believed that's how things worked. But nobody these days is thinking "5000th time's a charm".

Instead, neoliberalism has become a collection of ready-made excuses for insatiable greed. They're soundbites that seem plausible enough to for use in political speeches and press conferences -- and when everyone is in on it, it's even easier to convince people they're true.

But openly or in secret, neoliberals love neoliberalism failing. That's how they get rich.

Does the "free market" destroy companies who behave unethically? Nope! The most hated companies in the world keep posting record profits, because consumers don't have the luxury of holding them accountable.

Does a "small government" with few regulations create increased competition? Nope! But it means they can dump their toxic by-products in the local river and pay out the savings as executive bonuses.

Does wealth "trickle down" to the poor? Nope! It ends up in off-shore bank accounts, but people are desperate enough for a little more cash that they keep voting to give the rich another tax break.

"Privatisation breeds efficiency" is bullshit that hands people monopolies and makes the public pay for its failure. "Welfare just causes inflation" is bullshit that frees up more public money for subsidies and no-bid tenders.

If neoliberalism actually worked, rich people would hate it.