The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[sleepyjeff]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

I dunno.

Clearly.

[lizziebith]

Can someone explain to me the hysteria I see on so many boards (this included) these days with right-wing folks shrieking socialism and wearing communist symbols and such? I'm serious. Did I miss the revolution?

[innerSpaceman]

It's a tough call for them, as it is for many of us. I don't like the level of socialism needed to prop up failed capitalism, but the only other option seems to be immediate national financial collapse (instead of eventual national financial collapse).

[Prudence]

People vote to help the poor when they know that everyone else will have to contribute as well. People are willing to spend from the collective pocketbook to help the poor. This most decidedly does NOT prove that people, left to their own devices as individuals, would continue to do so. In fact, I think it rather more likely that as individuals people would brush it aside as Someone Else's Problem.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by Prudence

People vote to help the poor when they know that everyone else will have to contribute as well. People are willing to spend from the collective pocketbook to help the poor. This most decidedly does NOT prove that people, left to their own devices as individuals, would continue to do so. In fact, I think it rather more likely that as individuals people would brush it aside as Someone Else's Problem.

Exactly! The sig line I had recently sums it up perfectly for me:

“I like paying taxes. With them I buy civilization.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes


I think that many people that object to tax money going to help the disadvantaged just plain don't give a rat's ass about their fellow humans. They're selfish and self centered.

[sleepyjeff]

Originally Posted by JWBear

I think that many people that object to tax money going to help the disadvantaged just plain don't give a rat's ass about their fellow humans. They're selfish and self centered.

Do you really believe this?

Just because someone doesn't want the government to do something doesn't mean they don't want it done.

I don't want the Government to build a 3rd gate in Anaheim....but I want it done.

I don't want the Government to produce more episodes of LOST.....but I do want to see more episodes.

I don't want the Government to build interstate high speed rail......but I want it built.

I don't want the Government to cure cancer.......but I want it cured.

[Alex]

This is where it should be pointed out that studies show that self identified conservatives on average give more in direct charitable donations than liberals.

[innerSpaceman]

Which I attribute to the fact (well, heheh, my assumed fact) that conservatives are, almost by definition, generally far more wealthy than liberals.

[sleepyjeff]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

Which I attribute to the fact (well, heheh, my assumed fact) that conservatives are, almost by definition, generally far more wealthy than liberals.

Actually, there are studies that show even when adjusted for income, they still give more(in other words, ask two people who have the same income how much they give to charity and the conservative one, more likely the not, would have given more).....and not just money; they donate more blood, they donate more time volunteering, and they are more likely to give directions to a stranger on the street.


But does any of that matter......even if conservatives were the stingy, heartless sub-humans many try to paint them the fact of the matter is forcing another person to labor for another is slavery.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by sleepyjeff

But does any of that matter......even if conservatives were the stingy, heartless sub-humans many try to paint them the fact of the matter is forcing another person to labor for another is slavery.

Sorry, but you still haven't convinced me that's happening. No one is forcing anyone to do anything. The government says, "We will anyone who helps mow this lady's lawn money for doing so." And people willingly accept that compensation. No one goes to jail if they say no. No one is forced to do anything. People choose to and are compensated. Tada. Failed analogy.