> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On
> Behalf Of Dan Minette
[snip]
> It appears that your arguments about raising the sense of self worth could
> address the problem of people negotiating a larger share of the value they
> create. People with self confidence can negotiate to keep more of
> the value
> they produce, instead of accepting arrangements where others get rich off
> their labors.
I think I failed to say the right thing. It's not about raising self-worth,
it is about helping people recognize their self-worth, their perception of
themselves. Which I think means we agree.
[snip]
> The latter cannot. Ensuring that "a rising tide raises all boats" will
> require the distribution of income from the top value produces to
> the lower
> value producers. Health insurance subsidies, progressive taxes, extension
> of food stamps to the working poor are all means of doing this.
I'm not sure I can entirely agree, although I am by no means opposed to
those things. It seems to me that there is a structural problem that is
also responsible for the under-valuing of many services. Not that I really
know what the structural problem is! I guess I'm saying that I can't accept
the idea that we can't have the economy distribute wealth more
appropriately, so that we don't have to have nearly the safety nets. Good
heavens, how conservative of me.
David Brin talks about this kind of issue very well, using the metaphor of
the right hand and the left hand to express the need for structural changes
and safety nets. I think I summarized some of his thoughts in a message
last winter. I'm not aware if he's ever put those ideas in writing, though.
But now I think I'll ask.
Nick
