Political Theory

Re: I like this argument

macsnafu — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:31:32 GMT

Tuneman:
So if people on the left truly believe in social health care, they can pay for it while those who would rather spend their money somewhere else, can do so...

But if people voluntarily paid for what they want, there'd be no need for government!

But seriously, one argument is that there are externalities that affect other people, and thus people cannot be allowed to opt out. I don't buy it, but your argument doesn't deal with the externalities issue. Nor does it deal with the issue of the poor and others who supposedly cannot afford to pay for what they need.

Re: I like this argument

DrunknMunky — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:25:29 GMT

thats similar to the benefits received principle however no one buys it and neither will they agree with your proposal. I mean realistically the whole government would collapse because no one would want to pay for anything. For example, war, who in their right mind would actually pay for that with their own pocket? Only the most nationalist jingoist morons but the masses wouldn't.

Re: I like this argument

Tuneman — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:27:31 GMT

Well theproblem insn't the goal of these social programs... That was never the problem. They are most always set up by people who mean well, however when the government gets involved it no longer becomes a charitable cause and instead is simply a inefficient nightmare. Moreover, chairites always have a better idea on how to run things. For example instead of building public schools, they give out vouchers and scholarships etc...

Re: I like this argument

JAlanKatz — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:24:02 GMT

I'm not clear on why no money would ever go towards social welfare. If I wasn't taxed to pay for them, I wouldn't object to social welfare programs any more than I object to charity. The whole problem with welfare, as far as I can tell, seems to be the force involved in funding them, not the goals. There are some programs which simply make little sense - social security for rich old people, for instance, but many others I think would be funded. I'd put money towards health care, for one.

I like this argument

Tuneman — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:37:26 GMT

Instead of demanding that all people pay taxes in order to fund social programs, let the people decide which social programs they want to fund... So if people on the left truly believe in social health care, they can pay for it while those who would rather spend their money somewhere else, can do so... The same with all the other stuff, social security...etc..

I bet if this actually took place, no money would ever go towards these social welfare programs we have.

I hear huckabee did something like this when he was governor.