Although I have never shared my political views thus far here in blog-o-land... I thought I would stray from my usual pictures of the kids for a quick thought on this redistribution of wealth horse hockey that is being spouted from Barack Hussein Obama.From Wikipedia - "Socialists (i.e. socialism) mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital and creates an unequal society. All socialists advocate the creation of an egalitarian society, in which wealth and power are distributed more evenly."
And now for a little political commentary from one of our FOUNDING FATHERS...“To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his father’s has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it.” — Thomas Jefferson
Furthermore... “The government of the United States is a definite (meaning having definite borders and limitations) government, confined to specified objects and is not meant to meddle in affairs of the state.” — James Madison
Like I tell my sister... if you like the philosophies of Barack Obama so much... GO LIVE IN SWEDEN or CANADA, becuase our nation was built on the ideals of capitalism!!!
p.s. I love my sister and I don't want her to move anywhere!
... and finally a quick joke to further explain the unfairness of Obama's economic proposals;
--> --> Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.
Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie. Again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence.
When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.
I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more.
I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.
--> --> Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.
Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie. Again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence.
When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.
I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more.
I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.
UPDATE:
1) These views are mine alone and are not to be assumed the political opinions of my fantastic wife (because they are not).
2) Please don’t think of me as a money-hoarding, heartless Scrooge McDuck (go Ducktails/the early 90’s!). I feel the welfare system has its place in modern American society, but its current state of wastefulness and gross mismanagement is sickening to me. Our welfare system is in need of a major overhaul/ privatization to bring some sense of efficiency. Yes, privatization. Competition = efficiency. Econ. 101!
3) Don’t hate me ‘cuz I’m right (no pun intended, but it works!).
25 comments:
I totally agree!
Where have I gone wrong with you people?!
In less than a week, when Obama is your new president, you'll see what we mean. It'll be fine. You'll see. :)
If it makes you feel better, dont think of it as socialism. That obviously has a bad taste in your mouth. Instaed, think of it as egalitarianism (derived from the French word égal, meaning equal). egalitarianism is a political doctrine that holds that all people should be treated as equals and have the same political, economic, social, and civil rights. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?
Someday I'll explain to you why you aren't really Republican. :)
Here's my last comment, spoken by my friend Wes
http://wesmanden.blogspot.com/2008/10/liberalism-incognito.html
I do recommend everyone go to that URL... but only to demonstrate my point more fully. "Extreme Capitalism"?!!! What the heck is that? But my personal favorite is this; "I believe in a society where everyone has the opportunity to become everything they wish to be." He's totally contradicting himself! What if someone wanted to be filthy rich?! "OHHH, I'm sorry" says this utopian society/ massive omni-present government where everyone is created and treated as equals... "ours is a society where THAT dream would create an unfair seperation of class, so... pick something else please... but here is a flower to stick in your hat."
WOW! We are not worthy. I can't believe you actually did that. I would have thought it and then chickened out. Such a great lesson for that uniformed follow-the-professor, liberal,... oops, I mean waiter. You ROCK!
Listen Blake, I mean Steven... :) Your update #3 is exactly why I hate talking politics with Republicans. You are right fighters. Your way is the only way without consideration. We liberals are free to educate ourselves on issues and decided rather than just following what our party dictates.
(Ooohhh... now I've started something huh?)
Furthermore, people can be rich all they want. We just want a thin little cream off the very top of their billions (billion being a number than nobody can even wrap their brain around conceptually cuz it's so HUGE) so that we can ensure people can feed their children, go to college, leave their abusive husbands, afford their medications, etc. Richy Rich wont even know that money is gone unless his overpaid accountant tells him!
Lol. In reference to this "right fighters" hoopla... Do you not think your opinion is right?
And what's up w/ always calling people out by citing another person's name? You are notorious for that.
Oh boy did I ever ruffle some feathers. Round and round we go w/ the same back and forth between the Elephant and the Donkey. You say I'm closed minded, I say you think more w/ your heart than w/ your mind. You say skim a little off the top, and I say why should I be punished for being successful. Let's just agree to disagree before someone puts an eye out... mmmkay?!
I have given this alot of thought the last couple of years. I think I would like to live in an equal society like Jill describes. Here's the problem however, this type of scociety cannot be legislated. This will not work if people are forced, by penalty of law, to comply. Those that are forced to give will feel like they are being robbed from (they will be) and those that recieve will feel that they are finnally getting what is "owed" to them. Both will stop working to better themselves and pretty soon we will be stagnant. Meanwhile the politicians are getting drunk with power becuase the control the lives of so many people. This happened in Russia, Cuba, Venesualla, Germany (Nazi's hello)and other places. It does not work. It does not work. Everyone ends up miserable. God knew this when he rejected the same plan put forth by Lucifer before time began. Satan suggested forcing people to do the right thing. This plan was rejected because it disallowed people the opportunity to grow and become better.
I don't think Barack Obama is Satan. He is a socialist and a communist. His entire upbringing and adult associacions are with the far left raticals of the country. He even supports denying survivors of abortions the care they need because "it might change the mind of the mother" his words. This guy is a snake oil salesman and the majority of his support comes from people who do not know who he is. They instead project what they hope he will be because he has for the most part, avoided deffinition of his true motives. I don't like McCain much but he's better than Obama. I allready voted for him.
Jeff
There is one quote that has always stuck in my mind from a Dem that i really respect. You know who you are. "look at the money around you, don't you think that it should be TAKEN from them and GIVEN to those that don't have as much" That is nothing more than Communism. If Osama gets in with a majority seat of Dems in the senate he will be able to get a lot of really wacked policies passed. Once Americans see that their freedoms are no longer in danger but GONE, we will find our selves in another civil war. It has already happened in other countries including this one. Osama knows this and maybe that is why he wants to form his little civilian malitia to protect HIS newly created country. By the way, I am not monetarily wealthy be any means. I do concider myself a Rich man because of my family and freedoms and I will do anything that it takes to protect either.
Russell
PLEASE tell me that Russel knows his name is OBAMA not Osama!
And am I the Democrat that you respect? :)
I'm not even really that ruffled. I happen to live with a Republican, remember? I just like to try to educate you guys. You'll catch on, someday.
mmmm hmmm, that's right
What's with all this "someday you guys will be educated by me"... stuff anyway?
... this is me biting my tongue.
Yes Jill that spelling was on purpose. I could just call him Hussein. And you are the dem I respect. I believe that you have your position with true intent, and that you hope for a zionistic society where all work together for a common and uniform good. The problem is leadership. Osama (as I will call him) Is as crooked as any other politician. An attempt at Zion without the proper leader (appointed through the priesthood from God) is called Communism. We are slowly as a country being desensitized to the subtle loss of freedom that is happening here. socialism is one large step toward that total loss. Now that all being said, as far as politicians go I have not always agreed with Mccain either. He is to far left for me. But as I believe that your motives are virtuous, I believe that he is truly concerned for the good of this country and its citizens. I get no such feeling from Obama, or whoever his puppet master is.
When are you going to pull the race card?
So Steve is this what you had in mind when you posted?
I know, right Russ? I told Steve “don’t go there.” I also tried to avoid the controversy but,.. The tax law would be to pull from those that make <250k. To comment using “I” sounds a little presumptuous eh doctor? I understand the unfairness factor that we should all be treated equal but I think it is a good plan to better the country. Everywhere we look our taxes are being spent. With that extra we can put more structure in the bitter sweet welfare system, redirect more money to the school teachers and hire a LV city planner for this maze we live in. Just get it all out now babe because I strongly believe in showing respect and support to our president…Love you. Liz
On a different note, which does not apply to you Steve. I realize Bush has made mistakes but I am disturbed by these haters and cynics. I am so grateful to be an American. Many people risk their lives to come to this country when so many Americans only have eyes for fault. Ben Harper said it well, “What good is a cynic with no better plan.”
good comment Liz. Bush has made mistakes as president, and so will Mccain when he is president. The schools are definately underfunded, but the solution is not more taxes but better budgeting and spending. Elimination of useless programs. Think about all that money that Obama raised and wasted on his campain, that money could have funded a couple of schools.
I just have to say one thing. The way the church ( or Lord) does it is correct. That is why we give tithing and fast offerings. And by all means we can and should and are urged to give as much as we want and can to" spread the wealth" and share what we have been given. But the Lord is not taking it from us. That takes away free agency. I believe it was someone elses plan to force us to.........
Go Steven! That was all beautifully said!
And oh how I wish it would be just the "cream off the top", but just recently Obama and Biden have lowered the amount of money made to be taxed higher from $250 k to $150 k. I don't think that is really the cream off the top and whose to say he won't go lower.
Love you all and a healthy debate! Good perspectives!
Liz and Steve, Thx for the happy birthday text! Hope all is well. Interesting topic Steve, I'll venture into the crossfire and add my 2 cents worth--I'll try to keep it from being a novel:)
Politics of course can be divisive in nature as they are wrought with passion and fueled by different experiences and education, but I think different political beliefs share a common aim toward a hope for the best possible future and for that reason sharing opinions can also create unity.
I believe socialism and its aim toward a more equal distribution of wealth is well-intended and charitable at heart--as are many who embrace it--but flawed in its roots (its roots being "We, the people"). Ideally, if God governed the earth I believe He would lean towards Zionist/Egalitarian principles of order which closely resemble socialism and even communism (the United Order and The Law of Consecration being examples), but since He does not and men are carnal and sensual and devilish by nature capitalism rears its invisible hand as the next best thing.
James Madison wrote, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary." And since neither is true, we make due with what we have and make allowances for our imperfections. Capitalism is just that, an imperfect solution for an imperfect society.
As a small business owner, I would much rather give money directly to the individual in need in the form of wages rather than pay into a political slot machine and see the same money trickle down to the hands of the needy as a handout and at a fraction of the original donation because it had to be trimmed along the way to fund the various entities that oversaw its redistribution.
Some day, when more faith can be placed in the government and the governed, socialist practices may help us better become a people of “one heart and one mind with no poor among us”, but an attempt to redistribute wealth-—no matter how altruistic its intent--when riddled with corruption will be devastating. Perhaps those who lean towards socialistic principles are simply more optimistic and hopeful of government and human nature than I am. And now, while we are on the verge of becoming an Obama-Nation, hopefully they’re right.
I am way to intimidated to get into the middle of this debate, I would get roasted alive on my lack of deep political knowledge but I have to say "amen" Steve. That was really well written and eloquent. I have always been a believer in a flat tax...it works for the church!
carly
WOW! I am impressed since when did everyone become political experts?! Maybe I am too optimistic and hopeful of the government and human nature?? But I cant help it I am! Obama has my vote! LETS MIX IT UP! why is everyone so afraid of a little change?? Dont worry if he doesnt do well over the next 4 years rest assure America will Elect another old white guy into the white house and everyone will fell better.. I am going to be a little sad though after tomorrow when Obama wins.. I am going to miss all the SNL skits on Palin and watching that walking dead man McSame waving at the crowds with just his pointer fingers??
Love Chad
Sterling... beautifully said. You should write a book dude, seriously. You are one smart cookie.
Carly... flat tax or die! Don't be intimidated, we are all amateurs here.
Chad...lol. You are one funny dude. "We'll elect another old white guy and everyone will feel better". If Obama where a republican... oh yeah, that would be sweet.
I agree it's time for a little change of the status quo, but come on!!
OBAMANATION!!! OH NO.
Seriously well written, Sterling. I feel like I've been truly heard and that is rare.
I just cant swallow accepting the "next best thing". I think we are here to do His work and care for His children. I think we need to elect politicians that represent us, we need to watch how they vote and hold them accountable, and we need to run for office ourselves if we aren't getting the results we want. Why do we elect/accept a government that we have no faith in?
I'm a bleeding heart liberal, it's true. Social work has afforded me intimate access to people's struggles and I cant just say turn my cheek and hope someone helps out. So I guess I am "more optimistic and hopeful of government" than most. I just refuse to be apathetic about the human suffering right in our backyards.
And so, on Election Eve, I bid you all a good night. We'll all still be friends no matter what happens tomorrow. :)
WOW!!! I have personally never read a blog that touched the hearts of so many people. I totally agree with you Steven. I read a series of books called "Left Behind". Sen. Obama makes me think of those books every time I hear him. I believe Winston Churchill (or some English person) said, "If you vote conservative in your 20's you don't have a heart and if you vote liberal in your 40's, you don't have a brain." I agree that taking from the hard working, successful people to give to those who are not willing to get an education or look for employment or work hard to better themselves, makes those who are given to feel entitled and lazy. I see this in the Army and in Germany. Socialism does not work, and it can bankrupt a country. I am so proud of you for stating what you believe in such a concise way. I applaude you for the experiment you did. The United Order did not work for the same reasons that Obama's plan will not work. I do believe that we should help the handicapped, children and the elderly-no matter where they are from or what their citizenship is. I guess we'll see tomorrow who wins. Love you.
I think you have a unique perspective Jill, and I beleive it's not that you aren't using your brain... you are just thinking w/ a higher moral logic. We differ on logistics of delivering the assistance we both (all) know is needed.
To the cowardly person who left the ignorant comment I have finally been able to delete... do not return to my blog and please don't think people actually want to read your brainless personal attacks on personal family members.
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