WizardMarks lectures: "If you haven't missed a meal; if you sleep clean, safe, warm, and dry; if you are educated--therefore privileged; if you have work for your hands and mind to do, then you have what you need and can share the surplus with others."
Vicky replies: Thankfully WizardMarks, you don't get to decide what I need. Only a tyrant could do that. Mark Anderson replies: You know, I kind of agree with both these ladies. I do feel obligated to share my time, money and goodwill with others. However I disagree with Wizard that I should do this because I am educated and middle class. No, it's because I'm human, and that's what humans should do to maintain a civilized society. Obviously as a middle class person I have more money to offer than someone mired in poverty, but I feel that everyone should try to help others around them to the best of their abilities and resources. And I don't understand why Wizard brought this up in my thread about government vs. business spending. It's like those signs you see around the city that say "Happy to pay for a better Minnesota." Hey, I agree with the expressed sentiment completely. It's the implied belief behind the signs that I'm totally opposed to -- that paying more taxes to the state will result in a better Minnesota. If people are happy to pay for a better state, then they should give money to the charity they think will improve the state the most. Do they really think their taxes will improve things more (or as much) as the same amount of money directed to a cause of their own choosing? You know taxes go to that awful corporate welfare too, and other things that "progressives" love to hate. People from every political spectrum should want to minimize government spending because it simply isn't as effective at achieving our aims as money directed right at the place it's needed. And I agree with Vicky also, that we all need to decide for ourselves what level of help we give to others. Although I certainly feel that attempts to persuade others that they should contribute time and money is perfectly acceptable, the use of taxes for this purpose goes well beyond persuasion. But "tyrant" is too strong a word, and only serves to inflame the debate. Mark V Anderson Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
