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My first post about my conservative relatives quoting this was downvoted to invisibility. My point was really to illustrate the way what is essentially a class
by sudioStudio64 12y ago
My first post about my conservative relatives quoting this was downvoted to invisibility.
My point was really to illustrate the way what is essentially a class issue where the defense of one class is taken up by people who aren't even remotely members of that that cohort. There is a great deal of emotional investment in the idea that some out-group is benefitting heavily without contributing back.
I just wonder what the utility of that belief is.
- ageek123 12y agoYou do realize that both sides play that game, right? One side tells people the government is taking their money and the other side tells people that rich people are taking their money. The reality is that both are wrong because this stuff is not zero-sum.
- jwellnitz 12y agoInteresting game theory question: if we assume that "both sides" of the political spectrum always play that game, how should politicians respond? By being more honest (and still be assumed to be playing that game) or by being less honest (because they'll be assumed to be playing that game anyway)?
- sudioStudio64 12y agoAgreed. There is a difference however in claiming that its somehow immoral or wrong to expect people who benefit the most to pay the most to pay the most tax and the claim that people with the least access to capital, employment, and influence have some superior position that they not only haven't earned but are actively stealing. The former is an argument based on a principal I disagree with...the latter is a fear that the social compact where work is rewarded is somehow invalid. I think people probably sense this somehow and default to distrust of out-groups rather than thinking through the implications of their unease. I'm really just rambling and kinda thinking out loud...