: "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?"No, they don't. This post from Mr. Rubow proves it.
: 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)?
As opposed to the speedy, compassionate private sector? Sorry, but the
"invisible hand" of the marketplace is not a very good wealth distributor, even if it's just fine and dandy with you. I don't suppose you have much of a problem with the government when it picks your pocket to support agribusiness, or the egregious defense industry. But slow mail delivery is positively satanic.
: Slavery comes in degrees while freedom either exists or does not.
A good motto. Scream it at the Amway convention.
: I know sloth when I see it (I succumb to it from time to time like any other human).
But that won't stop you from lecturing the rest of us when we don't feel obsessed with toil. Find that sloth and root it out. Hatred of inactivity is a common conservative trait. Except when the bosses are on their three-hour martini lunch. That's different.
: 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.
Why discuss them when you can just kick them in the ass and let them starve. But I'm glad to see you approve of people who truly want something and work hard to get it. Many of us truly want to redistribute the wealth, and we're willing to work hard for it.
: 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).
Malevolence and greed, however, are easily forced on people in today's western capitalist empires. The boss apparently has the right to make his or her needs my responsibility. And what could be a better example of extortion and theft than the employer/employee relationship? I'm paid a fraction of the value I produce for the master. None dare call it robbery.
: The road to hell is paved...
That's true--every day I commute to my job.
: 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.
Every time I receive a paycheck I'm thinking the same thing.
