While I await dinner, let’s take a look at greed. I want to throw you a curve.
I was listening the other day to an economist that shocked me when he said that greed was good! What, you say? Yep, that is what he said! He went on to explain: the essence of that position was not so much that greed left to itself was good but that, because of greed, it is a motivating factor to become rich and, in so doing, many benefit as a result.
Another way of saying it: if someone is driven to become rich, they must first sell what they believe will make them rich. That takes individuals willing to invest their money in the venture under the impression that they too can become rich (unlike the government, who would be more than willing to invest money in something, not concerned whether there is a return on that investment since it is not their money!).
So, as a result of that one person becoming rich, he (or she) helps others become rich as well. The result of that is employment of many who would otherwise be beholden to the state. With work comes wages earned; wages that provide for the family and keep even more people off the government dole. He summed it up by stating that this defines true capitalism!
The sad part is: when evil men (or women) devise wicked or illegal ways to become rich, it ultimately takes from the rich who earned it and, in so doing, takes away jobs, thus forcing more people onto the government dole (what a devious plan)! It also causes the industrious nature of those driven to succeed to say “why bother” if it results in those in charge continuing to take and take.
It all makes sense when put in the context of what we are seeing today in the country. Go after the rich! After all, they have more than they need and can well afford increased taxes, etc.! (Think AIG bonuses). Thus the demonization of the rich continues to grow, also known as class envy. Ultimately, the mantra is repeated: “From those according to their abilities to those according to their needs”. Oh, by the way, that was said by Karl Marx.
This has been tried all over the world with the same result: more and more people becoming reliant on the state to provide (talk about job security for the government!). Ironically, there is still a need for some to “be in charge”. So, instead of working your way to the top, you “legislate” your way to the top in the name of “fairness”.
Either way, in the end someone will still be rich at the expense of others. Which way do you want it? As for me, I agree with actor John Houseman who proclaimed “Smith Barney makes money the old-fashioned way–we earn it.”
Anyway, I have to go now; my wife is calling me to dinner (and who can pass that up?).
Dave
3 John 2
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