Sunday, November 22, 2009

Legislating Wealth

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation.. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."


~~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers from Ten Secrets for a Successful Family, 1996

20 comments:

we're doomed said...

Common sense is an uncommon virtue, don't you think RLL? Common sense seems to be lacking in the US Congress.

Dana said...

... and I'm terrified that they'll NEVER get it ... at least not before it's too late!

Unknown said...

Oh thank you....well said my dear!
A little common sense would make a fabulous stocking stuffer this year :)

Peace ~ Rene

Ken said...

Commen sense tells me...
this nation as we know it, will not last.

That's OK with me as long as the world as a whole is taken into consideration.

It's commen sense to look around and see how small the world has gotten (it's not just us anymore) with all the new technoligy. Hell, I can get on google earth right now and look at your house or someones in England or Brazil.

No people! Things will not stay the same.

Akelamalu said...

It's scary isn't it! :0

Melissa said...

There are societies in this world that don't believe in redistributing wealth. They are called banana republics. I don't think most of us would want to live in them. All of the advanced societies in the industrialized world, practice at least some form of wealth redistribution. The key is to not let it get out of hand. Periodically adjustments have to be made to ensure that it doesn't, e.g., the welfare reform congress passed in the 90's.

Karen said...

So smart. I don't get how anyone feels they deserve to be taken care of. Where is their pride? Where is their work ethic?

Poindexter said...

Difficult topic. I happen to personally know a handful of people who are presently out of work and are eager to find employment. I do not begrudge them the unemployment check they receive every other week because it keeps their families going while they continue to look for a job. Hmmm, slightly different perspective. -Diane

Anonymous said...

Interesting topic and heated one at that on many blogs.

I personally feel if we can start cracking down on welfare fraud (which is thorn in most of our sides) we can make a big, HUGE dent in the budget. TOO many are taking advantage.

I happen to be disabled (from several conditions) and I am not allowed to work due to risk factors. HOWEVER, I work from home and do the best I can when I can. It helps our home. My hubs works his job with great benies and works overtime when he can to make up the difference.

If we can do it, most others surely can.
Tammy

Evil Twin's Wife said...

Excellent quote for today's America.

Queen-Size funny bone said...

there is fraud and there is waste. one is legal and the other a crime yet they both need policing.

James said...

Hi RLL.
Actually I don't agree! A Christian, civilised nation should have a system in place that allows part of the wealth taken in taxes to look after peoples health without them going into debt.
All people give a little for the greater good.
Your prezz is not talking about swiping hundreds of dollars a month from peoples wages is he? Money is already taken out for schools and education, and roads and libraries and WEAPONS isn't it?
What is more important than peoples health?
Be aware I am just talking about Hospital HEALTHCARE not welfare benefits-not a licence to let people sit on their arses.
The NHS we had in the 60s through to the 80s was the envy of the world. Unfortunately it is now falling apart for many reasons.
Hopefully the prezz will be able to avoid the mistakes that were made here.
But he has a chance to do a really good thing.
Just my 2p worth.

James in England

CheekyMonkey said...

my head hurts.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Karen.

Scarlett said...

I think that you have an excellent point...(Not meaning to speak for You) but, I don't think you are referring to those who are physically unable to care for themselves, but those just too lazy to try! And with that I can only agree! My husband and I work very hard while we watch people we have to deal with in rental situations let their kids go unfed, bills go unpaid while they suck down alcohol and pot and our taxes go to perpetuate the cycle their children witness and learn from every day!

Will it ever get better?

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Those who use the system for their own benefit make the outside world feel as though the system is broken.

It is not broken...it needs policing. I was out of work for 20 months...I received unemployment. If it were not available, I would have been in even worse shape than I am now.

I could have filed for bankruptcy...I did not because I wanted to clean out the loans I had taken because I felt it was the right thing.

a couple of those lenders screwed me over after making agreements...they are the haves and they stepped on me...

We need to help those who are less fortunate...we need to clear the files of those who are taking advantage

Melissa said...

For those who think that welfare is available to anyone who is just to lazy to work, quit your job and go apply for welfare, and see how long it takes you get your first check. A word of caution, don't hold your breath.

Jormengrund said...

There are users and abusers of each and every type of system you can imagine.

The problem is, how exactly are you going to take to task someone who "legally" abuses the system for their own selfish ends?

I'd much rather have something instilled where each person was responsible for their own stake. Give them a maximum amount for their lifetime, and if they blow through it too quickly, then they have to deal with the consequences of their own actions.

That way they'll have nobody else to blame but themselves.

This coming from a dad who's teaching his kids the exact same way.. I mean, if you can't teach them responsibility now, how exactly are you going to teach them it when they're older?

Slyde said...

excellent!

Holdin on said...

Shout it from the mtn tops! Amen Sister!