posted on February 12, 2001 03:12:42 PM new
Helen.. I never meant that you were chastising me.. only my viewpoint.
I used the definition of the word "ignorant" only because I feel that you're passing up a very good opportunity to educate others in what you see and believe. If you see ignorance in the world, then one should never turn their back to it.
I'm asking anyone to give me examples of how someone is not responsible for their financial circumstances. If you can't do it, or do not want to do it.. then there's no reason for me, or anyone else (who holds this viewpoint ) to change their mind about it.
posted on February 12, 2001 03:39:39 PM new
Rosiebud - I agree with you, but here are what I think are some reasons for not accomplishing what is possible in life:
- Physical or mental handicaps (the obvious)
- Lack of education (a biggie)
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of creative thinking
I also think a lot of people grow up believing, for whatever reason, that many opportunities are beyond their reach. Maybe they've never been taught otherwise, or maybe it's just a lot easier to blame society for a lack of opportunity rather than taking personal responsibility for what one accomplishes or fails to accomplish.
On the other hand it's easy to say, "Just do it," but it's a lot harder to actually go out and make something out of nothing. I struggle with that sometimes myself quite a bit. Crafting a successful life (financially or otherwise) is not easy, not even with a good basis to build on!
Our brains are all wired differently. Some of us have hard-coded stuff in there that will hold us back and that we have to fight to overcome. Other components of our personalities will cause us to either be motivated or to be complacent. That's why I don't think it's a black and white issue.
But what I do believe is clear is that those who do manage to succeed should be rewarded for their accomplishments, and not forced by law to subsidise those who may be less successful. That's what charity is for.
posted on February 12, 2001 04:22:34 PM new
RainyBear ~ BRAVO, well said! You pointed out things I hadn't considered and I will take the time to consider those.
The one item you mentioned, with which I take slight issue, is lack of education. Now, don't mark me as an advocate for our current education system, but I believe that an education, a good basic education, is available to every american. This may not be an East Coast Prep School education but if a person applies themself they can reach even Ivy League institutions from even the lowliest public school beginnings.
Once someone obtains their basic education, whether they learn more is entirely on their shoulders. It is a concious choice. Reaching a state university is not difficult with the grant and loan programs available. You may be right about the hurdles in front of different people, but it is each individuals choice to stop or continue on. Responsibility is wholly their own.
But what I do believe is clear is that those who do manage to succeed should be rewarded for their accomplishments, and not forced by law to subsidise those who may be less successful. That's what charity is for.
I wanted to requote you on this, because I do agree with this main point. But also, so I can make clear, for others to think about this. In punishing the rich, for their accomplishments, through a confiscatory tax system it is virtually assured that those same rich people will have less and less to support charitable causes. There's a choice that has to be made. Either allow charities to act charitably or allow the government to take that same money and provide welfare. One is a hand up, the other is a hand out. Charities often require an effort for their outlay.. whereas, the government will keep sending that check every month.
posted on February 12, 2001 04:41:47 PM new
Well, I think although most everyone in this country has access to education, the quality of that education differs between school systems and also between individual teachers. Good schools and good teachers can make a big difference. Parents play a huge role in education, too.
Teachers should be paid more! I always vote "yes" on measures to increase teacher pay.
posted on February 12, 2001 04:48:03 PM new
Absolutely, RainyBear! Good teachers should be making some serious money...and we should accept nothing less than serious teachers.
posted on February 12, 2001 07:19:05 PM new
I'm against the tax refund for one simple reason. We should pay off the national debt FIRST!!! I have a household budget. If I get extra money in for some reason, it goes to pay off debt before buying new stuff. The government should do the same.
And I've read all about the 'projected surplus', etc. But what if their 'projections' are off?? Pay off the debt, *then* start giving refunds. Remember, the government is paying interest on that debt (just like an individual pays interest on their credit card).
My son (who is 12) wanted to borrow some money from me to buy a stereo. He said he can pay me back because I can just take it out of his allowance. I said 'what if something happens and I can't give you your weekly allowance?'. He just looked at me blankly. I reminded him that he had gotten money for his birthday (in January) and he could have bought it for himself then. (He frittered that money away.) I also told him that I had offered him money several times in the past few weeks if he wanted to do some extra work. (But he wasn't interested.) Anyway, it evolved into quite a long talk on the whole subject of money management. A 12-year-old could understand it, why can't the government????
