From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Wed May 11 2005 - 15:31:36 BST
Arlo,
> I guess my point was that those who make use of, for example,
> publically-funded libraries, or public roads, or even enjoy recreational
> access to our state parks, are not "sponging off others". Society as a
> whole benefits when more people have more access to these infrastructure
> supports. This in turn produces "more wealth", which in turn can be applied
> to strengthening infrastructural support.
I like to keep in mind that "public works," with a few exceptions, are
only made possible by productive individuals who pay taxes.
> I don't think our disagreement on this diverges until we talk about
> programs to help the severely disenfranchised (most of which, I do admit,
> have failed... mostly because they have been band-aid solutions at best).
> That is, I think the societal benefit of a public roadway system is for
> most people self-evident, same with public libraries and museums.
I agree. I'm not sure, however, what you mean by "severely
disenfranchised." To me, a franchise in the political context means the
right to vote.
> I am only emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between these things and
> the "wealth" any generation can produce. That is, it is easy to see them as
> nothing more than "products", rather than support (latches) than enable
> individuals to produce greater wealth.
I agree, but I like to keep in mind the individuals of great wealth who
have donated much towards creating parks, schools, libraries, museums and
other pubic goods. (Such individuals make up "the few exceptions"
mentioned above.)
> Does "sponging" occur? Of course. When the government deliberately keeps
> unemployment set at a particular level to offset inflation (for those of us
> working), by definition those without income "sponge"? What is the
> alternative?
I doubt your theory that government prevents people from working to
"offset inflation." Inflation is primarily caused by the government
printing more money than the economy needs. As for alternatives to
sponging, one must question why someone is "without income." Why, for
example, do many oppressed people from Vietnam come to the U.S with little
or nor money or education (and can't speak English) and in a short time,
become self-supporting productive citizens?
One of the best things about America is that it offers more opportunity
and social mobility that any other country. The millions who want to
emigrate here, and the millions more who have become successful here,
testify to that.
Platt
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