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You seem to be fortunate enough to have other options. Not everyone is so fortunate. Personally I believe society as a whole is better when we offer opportuniti

by nkrisc 8y ago

You seem to be fortunate enough to have other options. Not everyone is so fortunate. Personally I believe society as a whole is better when we offer opportunities for education and self-improvement to those who can't otherwise afford it. Many people derive real value from public libraries simply because it is the only option they have for the services it offers. Personally I haven't set foot in a library in a long time but I would proudly and gladly vote to increase funding for libraries, even at my own tax expense. I earn enough for my family to live comfortably. Increasing my material wealth further won't bring any increase in personal happiness so I will gladly spend it to better society as a whole, even if I do not directly benefit from it.

alexanderwept 8y ago
>Personally I believe society as a whole is better when we offer opportunities for education and self-improvement to those who can't otherwise afford it. And you're welcome to do that with your own money. Why is the cause so moral that others get to decide I have to support it with my money?
- nkrisc 8y ago
  That's a complicated question but I'll sum up my thoughts on it by saying because you have benefited from it too. Would you have reached your position in life if not for a stable society and functioning economy? As I see it we've got to pay it forward for the next generation as the last did for us. Whether you prefer it or not you are a part of our shared society. There is of course more nuance to it all.
  - alexanderwept 8y ago
    I didn't ask for this. If society collapsed and I became a sustenance farmer or hunter gatherer, that'd be alright by me. I agree with the rule of law and I'll do what I'm legally obligated to do, however, every chance I get I'm going to vote in favor of returning to the pre-history status quo of all-against-all.
    - nkrisc 8y ago
      Interesting. Your Abrahamic theology won't help you there. Please don't drag us all down with you. I'm sure you can find a remote bit of forest somewhere where you can live on your own for as long as you can make it. Come on now, walk the talk.

by nkrisc 8y ago

alexanderwept 8y ago

>Personally I believe society as a whole is better when we offer opportunities for education and self-improvement to those who can't otherwise afford it. And you're welcome to do that with your own money. Why is the cause so moral that others get to decide I have to support it with my money?

nkrisc 8y ago
That's a complicated question but I'll sum up my thoughts on it by saying because you have benefited from it too. Would you have reached your position in life if not for a stable society and functioning economy? As I see it we've got to pay it forward for the next generation as the last did for us. Whether you prefer it or not you are a part of our shared society. There is of course more nuance to it all.
- alexanderwept 8y ago
  I didn't ask for this. If society collapsed and I became a sustenance farmer or hunter gatherer, that'd be alright by me. I agree with the rule of law and I'll do what I'm legally obligated to do, however, every chance I get I'm going to vote in favor of returning to the pre-history status quo of all-against-all.
  - nkrisc 8y ago
    Interesting. Your Abrahamic theology won't help you there. Please don't drag us all down with you. I'm sure you can find a remote bit of forest somewhere where you can live on your own for as long as you can make it. Come on now, walk the talk.