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Posted

Sorry, no test or quiz involved here, just how I think about the legitimate role of governments in our lives.

I think the only legitimate role of any government is to do those things for us that we can not do by ourselves.

Here is one example: I can get a job and earn a living. I can't build the road to go to work, I need some level of government to build that road that my neighbors and I can use to go to work. My neighbors and I willing are to pay taxes to build that road. We don't need a freeway, so we'll object if the tax load is too high. On the other hand, I'll need something better than a basic dirt path and we're willing to pay for a decent paved road that meets our needs.

Pretty basic and simple political philosophy isn't it? However, it can be applied to most situations. How about you?

Posted
Sorry, no test or quiz involved here, just how I think about the legitimate role of governments in our lives.

I think the only legitimate role of any government is to do those things for us that we can not do by ourselves.

Here is one example: I can get a job and earn a living. I can't build the road to go to work, I need some level of government to build that road that my neighbors and I can use to go to work. My neighbors and I willing are to pay taxes to build that road. We don't need a freeway, so we'll object if the tax load is too high. On the other hand, I'll need something better than a basic dirt path and we're willing to pay for a decent paved road that meets our needs.

Pretty basic and simple political philosophy isn't it? However, it can be applied to most situations. How about you?

Great philosophy for people that can't get a job and earn a living. Sometimes a lot of people can't get a job and earn a living. Why would anyone have an incentive to get a job and earn a living under such a political philosophy? Not everyone can build a car for themselves, so should the government build it for them? Not everyone can grow and produce their own food so should government do that? Should government supply us with housing and clothes?

Together, with the division of labour, we can do all those things ourselves, what part should government play? The government doesn't build roads by the way - it hires us to do that - and only builds roads if it deems it important, not particularly for you and your friends but mostly for itself and it's friends who will decree it "for the common good" if you should happen to object.

I want to be in the class that ensures the classless society remains classless.

Posted
It's a fine theory, but I've been paying my taxes for years and still waiting to have the roads fixed. Instead, they gave the money to bail out their business friends and the banks.

But you are happy with that.

It's as I said, they work for themselves and their interests. If that does not include you. Then too bad! It is for the common good. You like it when government does not include me in it's engineering but not when it does not include you.

I want to be in the class that ensures the classless society remains classless.

  • 2 months later...
Posted

How many people do you think it takes to make a pencil? In a very strict sense, we can do nothing ourselves. This is the basis behind social organization and the division of labour. You have described a system where the state does everything. I prefer the inverse; when the state does nothing.

Posted
Here is one example: I can get a job and earn a living. I can't build the road to go to work, I need some level of government to build that road that my neighbors and I can use to go to work....

To build a road need not government too, once company can raise money from stock market.

"The more laws, the less freedom" -- bjre

"There are so many laws that nearly everybody breaks some, even when you just stay at home do nothing, the only question left is how thugs can use laws to attack you" -- bjre

"If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." -- Thomas Jefferson

Posted
But you are happy with that.

You like it when government does not include me in it's engineering but not when it does not include you.

What ever makes you think that? I'm not selfish, I need you to do be able to do your part so that I can do my part.. I am not happy if I'm the only one getting some.

In fact, I am willing to do with a bit less, just so you can have some.

Posted
The state does nothing now don't they ? Those damn garbagemen never come...

You must live in Hamilton! :lol:

I'm waiting for the day when they miss one week and then want to charge you for the extra bags at the next pickup!

"A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."

-- George Bernard Shaw

"There is no point in being difficult when, with a little extra effort, you can be completely impossible."

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