I understand that without an accumulation of wealth there is little or no high art or culture, and that has to be its best justification,
I think some of this is lacking perspective. Is it really so different than one of us paying $1500 for a phonograph? Dan Hi Dan, I agree and admire your perspective. Class envy is counter productive, without wealthy people and the capital they provide for business ventures you do not have an economy with a large middle class. The purchase of 'luxury' items stimulates the economy and provides jobs. I know people who have large collections of over 100 phonographs and they are willing to share the joy of collecting with others. We would not be able to enjoy the many rare phonographs or the large collections of those people who are financially fortunate if they gave all their extra money away. My 17 year old Grandfather came to this country in 1914 with fifty cents, not speaking English and joined the middle class. Mostly when giving something not earned there is no appreciation. I first purchased my Vic VI with no horn, crank, or reproducer in 1985 for $850.00; six weeks of wages. In 2000 I purchased a wooden horn for it for $1500 on eBay. If given the complete phonograph, I would not a appreciate it nearly as much. What makes the USA great is all the opportunities, including being able to afford the space to collect phonographs. Those choosing not to take advantage of the benefits this country has to offer should not penalize those who have. Thomas Edison, Emile Berliner, Eldridge Johnson, Henry Ford, Sam Walton, and Bill Gates are examples of people who took advantage of this country's benefits; look at the jobs they provided. Wealth provides the means for the equipment to increase productivity & wages of workers. My wife is from Philippines; a country with with little hope of advancement for most; a lady can go to Hong Kong to work as a maid (6 12 to 14 hour days) earning 3 times what a teacher can in Philippines. After visiting Mexico & Philippines I find it difficult to accept excuses people here offer for not succeeding. (Helen Keller) Visit Japan or Hong Kong where many people work 6 12 hour days and live in a very tiny apartment with little room for a phonograph collection. Steve (aircraft mechanic, air travel is a luxury product) luxury a material object, service, etc., conducive to physical comfort or sumptuous living, but usu. not a necessity of life. ----- Original Message ----- From: Daniel Melvin To: Antique phonograph discussion list for pre-1930 phonographs Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2003 1:18 AM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] US $19,990.00 (Reserve met) I think some of this is lacking perspective. Consider that anyone that can afford buy a $20,000 record has the means to do many things with their wealth. In fact, many really wealthy people give more to charity in any given year than most of us, that can't afford a $20,000 record, will in our life time. Is it really so different than one of us paying $1500 for a phonograph? Somehow, I don't think so. Dan
