A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words, redistribution of wealth.
She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.
One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school.
Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.
Her father listened and then asked, 'How is your friend Audrey doing?' She replied, ' Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties and lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over.'
Her wise father asked his daughter, 'Why don't you go to theDean's office and ask him to deduct 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA.'
The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, 'That's a crazy idea, how would that be fair! I've worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!'
The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, 'Welcome to the Republican party.'
Tax issues are not really this simple, but to me it's a fun tale and a reminder that most thing in real life have to come from somewhere. Government property transfer can still be theft, it's just "legalized" theft. I do believe that providing for the well being of the populace is a goal that we do need to strive for. In reaching for that goal, we should not make it ok for people not to contribute to their own well being.
For example, if you can work and are receiving government subsidies (welfare, health insurance, social-security) then you should be required to give back to the community that's paying your way. It could be as simple as helping pick up trash to make the neighborhood look better. Can't do manual labor, how about read to children at the public library.
I know I repeat this often, but the government is us and it's not a sporting event.
John: So, apparently Apple is finally going to roll out their long awaited tablet on Monday. Do you care?
Don: Yeah. Because we'll have to support it. But, I'm really hoping it's revolutionary. If it's not then, no.
