4 ms·

I was trying to get you to argue both sides and lo-and-behold you did it. Simply because, and I don't this this is difficult, but social welfare is not what is

I was trying to get you to argue both sides and lo-and-behold you did it. Simply because, and I don't this this is difficult, but social welfare is not what is taken, but the result of what is done. I would hope at least you've gotten some sense from this the idea of considering your role as a small part in a greater social tapestry, than simply an argument about what percentage of your income should be taxed.

shawndumas 16y ago
So, as you see it, my roll in society is to work hard so that I will have money that the government can then take by force? How 'bout the charity work I do, or the two homeless guys I got off the street and got jobs, or the orphanage on Kat Island I supported with groceries, or the goat and 2 chickens I sent this Christmas, or the tithes I donate that go to benevolence, or the family that lived with me for six months (a mother and her four daughters in our three bedroom house)? (And I mean it all and could share more!) Do you have any idea how much more I could help if the government would stop giving me 'welfare'? And since no matter whether they take my money or let me keep my money you'll still call it 'welfare' I guess everyone is on 'welfare' too, huh? But the thing that gets me is that I am supposed to thank my government for letting me keep what is my personal property to begin with. Or do you not believe in personal property either? (Or are we only supposed to call 10% of our money personal and the rest is the government's and that's why I should call them letting me keep it 'welfare'?)
- michaelchisari 16y ago
  Who you decide to thank is immaterial. Public investment in infrastructure, education, etc., all public goods, is how you built your wealth. Your wealth is as dependent on society as anyone else. And while your charity is commendable, it is utterly undemocratic.
  - shawndumas 16y ago
    Right; and so that's why all my wealth belongs to the public. I got it. Thanks for clearing that up.

shawndumas 16y ago

So, as you see it, my roll in society is to work hard so that I will have money that the government can then take by force? How 'bout the charity work I do, or the two homeless guys I got off the street and got jobs, or the orphanage on Kat Island I supported with groceries, or the goat and 2 chickens I sent this Christmas, or the tithes I donate that go to benevolence, or the family that lived with me for six months (a mother and her four daughters in our three bedroom house)? (And I mean it all and could share more!) Do you have any idea how much more I could help if the government would stop giving me 'welfare'? And since no matter whether they take my money or let me keep my money you'll still call it 'welfare' I guess everyone is on 'welfare' too, huh? But the thing that gets me is that I am supposed to thank my government for letting me keep what is my personal property to begin with. Or do you not believe in personal property either? (Or are we only supposed to call 10% of our money personal and the rest is the government's and that's why I should call them letting me keep it 'welfare'?)

michaelchisari 16y ago
Who you decide to thank is immaterial. Public investment in infrastructure, education, etc., all public goods, is how you built your wealth. Your wealth is as dependent on society as anyone else. And while your charity is commendable, it is utterly undemocratic.
- shawndumas 16y ago
  Right; and so that's why all my wealth belongs to the public. I got it. Thanks for clearing that up.