Posted by alexandra_k on May 9, 2005, at 15:46:05
In reply to Re: I beg to differ » eloaf, posted by AuntieMel on May 9, 2005, at 13:57:33
> Fact is that most millionaires in this country got that way by spending much less than they earn.
It is easier to spend less than you earn if you earn so much you don't 'need' to spend it all.
Much harder if you only earn enough to meet your basic needs in the first place...
> Another interesting bit I heard, but I don't remember where: if all the money in a country were redistributed equally in a fairly short amount of time those who have it now woud have it again and those who don't have any now wouldn't then.Why? That is important. I don't know that that would be right... Though there is something to the never having had any money so then when you do going banana's idea. Bit like if you have always had too little food then you tend to become a bit of a pig when food is available. The body takes a while to forget its former state of deprivation...
> So, while an inheritance might get a person started if they don't do something with it they will lose (spend) it all.Sure.
> You only need to look at lottery winners for proof of this.Sure.
I think the issue is bigger than merely inheritance.
But I do think redistribution is in order.Do you think there should be free access to healthcare, education, reasonable food and housing etc?
Would you be prepared to pay more tax so that that could happen?
Why is it so many people say 'yes' to the first question and 'no' to the second.
Sorry peoples but I simply do not believe that the 'average' standard of living is higher in the US than anywhere else in the world! No offence, but the very idea is laughable!!!
What happens if you are out of a job?
How many weeks or months do you qualify for assistance?
Then what happens to you?
Bit of a bugger if you don't have family to support you, huh.In NZ you are entitled to the dole for as long as you are unable to find work.
Forever if you need it forever.
You can get the sickness benefit forever if you need to.But NZ isn't perfect.
But nobody starves in NZ.
Nobody can say they can't afford to live or to eat.
There is a small number of street kids.
They CHOOSE to live there.
There are other options but they choose to be there.
IMO they need to send a psychologist or youth worker to 'hang' with them...
But anyways.There are a couple of countries...
Norway?
Switzerland?
They have the best standard of living for everyone in the world.
(Sorry to disillusion you peoples).
They have the best welfare benefits in the world.
The best maternity leave
The most respect for children
(You can't hit a child just like you can't hit an adult).
poster:alexandra_k
thread:495094
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20050509/msgs/495639.html