Redistribution of Wealth

It is reported that one in eight Americans were receiving food stamps. That's around 40 million people or 12.5% of the population. There are millions more who are still living in poverty but are above the income threshold to receive them. These numbers speak volumes about our economy, our government and our society. From a modern American perspective, we are in deep trouble with little hope of things getting better.

This brings back the concepts of "personal responsibility" versus "social justice". And, the old "what is fair?" question and to what degree, if any, should there be a redistribution of wealth? Personal responsibility means every one for themselves, while social justice means socialism and government support from cradle to grave.

Personal responsibility is a much simpler concept...you are responsible for your own destiny, your neighbor isn't. This is the basic foundation of the Libertarian Party and it is not as cold-hearted as it sounds. Things like feeding the poor would be done through charity instead of through government. Americans are generally caring and giving people who will help the less fortunate, especially, if they have more money from less taxation.

Social justice comes down to what degree are we our brother's keeper? The Left says we are basically 100% responsible for the welfare of our neighbor and government makes this happen through the forcible transfer of wealth. Many think they are "entitled" to this as a basic civil right. "I want mine and I don't care who pays for it!" Unfortunately, this doesn't work as the demand for funds far exceeds the supply.

Most people have no problem with "safety nets" to help those who are temporarily out of work, hungry or hurt on the job. Most support Social Security. Where people get frustrated is the perception being heavily taxed to help those who won't help themselves--like the crack addict who pumps out babies from multiple fathers with no capacity to raise or care for them. Or, the illegal alien who pays minimal taxes, take jobs and requires numerous public services.

I think we are headed towards a breaking point that could to lead to social unrest and civil disobedience--if the economy continues to deteriorate. We must take new directions with new people and new ideas to get the economy thriving or we will become a second-class country that is no longer great. We must slow our population growth while stimulating economic growth before it is too late.

I believe the free enterprise system can solve most all of our problems if allowed to thrive. But, it seems that most every time big business is given freedom to operate, greed overcomes conscience and the average man gets exploited. We need to find a balance. Some regulation is always needed but it should be minimal and "big picture". Our recent financial meltdown could have been easily averted with some basic regulation on mortgage lending underwriting. Of course the Iraq war didn't help either.

In the end, it comes down to the question as to the role of government in our daily lives. Many say big government has got us in our current situation and should be reduced. This is the basic message of the Tea Party. Others think government should have a bigger role and that a forced redistribution of wealth will bring economic equality...if we are even "entitled" to it. The Constitution doesn't say we are!