How much does altruism fit into current republican policies and stances?

About as much as altruism fits into current Democratic policies and stances. Don't be fooled into believing that any politician is interested in helping others selflessly. First off, genuine altruism is a rarity in this world. People want recognition for their giving, even if it's just a thank-you. In the world of the politician, that 'thank you' often comes in the form of votes and they know it. Republicans haven't done anything to stem the tide of social program spending, nor have they stopped writing foreign aid checks. In fact, the largest social program expansion in recent history took place under the reign of GW Bush. Remember Medicare Part D? It's time to stop the wimpy rhetoric. Democrats are no more 'altruistic' than Republicans, and they watch out for the corporations and the wealthy just as much as Republicans do. Unless, of course, you choose to believe that things like cash for clunkers and first time home buyer tax credits were done for the people and not to bail out flailing auto and mortgage industries.