- Capitalism and Alternatives -
Distribute OUR wealth?
Posted by: Max Rubow ( USA ) on September 05, 1997 at 19:54:10:
In Reply to: Reply to Claire and others with their ideas posted by Samuel Day Fassbinder on September 02, 1997 at 09:34:21:
"I've put forth the idea that we could distribute our wealth according to who needed it, and we could create a world where work was enjoyable instead of drudgery, and I've even challenged my own idea by saying that such a world may not be possible. So far, the only response I've received from Kevin, Zachary Emig, Mike Bednarz, Cara Russell, RWB etc. is that such a world would be a living Hell. Don't you guys have any imagination?"I can just imagine how this "distribution" would be implemented. Since it would be based on need, those who stop producing first would be the most in need. Since there would be some sort of "controlling authority" to distribute "our" wealth (I notice this idea is provided by someone who makes quite a deal about his lack of possessions, i.e. someone who's pocket is not going to be picked), how will this distribution be determined (and just who makes these decisions, the goverment with the speed of the mail and the compassion of the IRS)? I like the way it works now. If I "need" something, I will get off of my dead behind and get it myself. Slavery comes in degrees while freedom either exists or does not. I know sloth when I see it (I succumb to it from time to time like any other human). If you truly want something, you will work at it to get it. I hold no power unavailable to any other human, and I have the same foibles. I will not discuss the minority that cannot or will not work. You do not have the right to make other people's needs my responsibility. Benevolence and charity are not behaviors that can be forced on people (that is extortion and theft). Sorry to throw mud on your utopia, but it sounds like the wonderful world Hitler proposed would come from the new Reich. The road to hell is paved... Why is it that what I want to do relies on me, and what you want to do relies on everyone else's fruits of their work? If you want to make the world this wonderful place, put what you own on the line, but don't "thieve" from everyone else. I think a world where you rely on others to give you things (and if they can give things they can take them away) is a hell beyond imagining. Max
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