Either by turns in the economy or by personal misfortune, we often find ourselves in a pickle while trying to maintain a life style; even modest life styles. There are very few people that are able to walk through life without financial care.
Americans have always been known to lift themselves up by their boot straps and this is commendable, however one could wonder if this is the most civilized way of living. Through fiction we are promised that money will no longer be used in the future, which must surely agitate those who believe in less government. Centralized goods and services would be considered as government handouts to the extreme by a population that wants to see all goods and services privatized.
The anti government people have found disappointment and abundant reasons why our government doesn’t work. Oddly, being a government of the people, for the people and by the people; this reflects poorly on the citizenry. Those who complain about the government failing are not doing enough to remedy the problems. There is a lot of them out there and one would think that a population of that size should be a force to reckon with and would have solutions at the ready.
Getting back to the haves and the have nots and especially those who suddenly find themselves struggling in a sea they never anticipated swallowing them. Is there anything that a government could do to make all of its citizens more secure?
There are countries in Europe that embrace Socialism where the needs of their citizens are met from cradle to grave. All medical, educational, transportation needs are met. Even in retirement the needs are met weather one chooses to live at home or in a facility. Imagine a life where the government pays students to stay in school through graduate school. It pays doctors very well to take care of their patients. Residents never have to worry about if they can afford the medicines they need to live healthy lives.
As stated earlier this all comes from the feared Socialism. The evils of Socialism were drummed into our heads all through the Cold War. If we start down that path we would be giving up our freedoms, our God (gods) and we would soon be living in box like, gray room apartments that are illuminated by a single 25 watt light bulb.
The European model of Socialism never looked like the Soviet model. It is based on a high tax rate, around 50 percent. Most people in the United States presently pay around 18 to 25 percent in income taxes. Would it be worth it if the citizens were to pay 50% and never have a care from cradle to grave? If this question already has a negative answer in your head, consider the present economy and what your chances of retirement are. Where will you be living if health becomes an issue? How will the present economy with down turning financial markets change how you will pay for your childs education? Wouldn’t this all be a lot easier if you paid it up front and shared the burden? Wouldn’t we be a more productive society if we spent less time worrying about how we are going to accomplish all we are expected to do in society? Wouldn't there be less crime if basic needs were met?
4 comments:
No more income tax.
However, a consumer tax should be implemented. Somehow or another the wealthiest always seem to find a way to get out of paying income taxes. Per what the wealthiest of the wealthy say about themselves.
A strict consumer tax in the USA would pay for education and health of everyone. We would have healthier and more intelligent people working longer and consuming longer to pay for it all.
Ah, yes. The "but it works in Europe" argument. Which, when one delves past the surface of European Socialism, sees that it doesn't work as well as the American Left says it does.
The problem with those who want Socialism, is that they believe in fairy tales. They still believe in the "happy ever after". They have not matured to the point of realizing that life isn't fair. Or they're lazy. They want the same benefits most people work to earn, without actually doing the work.
Socialism is built on the backs of those willing to work, to pay for benefits for those who don't want to work. Eventually, those who pay for it get tired of doing so. Which is the real reason most socialist/communist countries disarmed their citizens. When the taxman has a gun and you don't, you can't keep his hand out of your wallet.
Besides, you present the alternative to socialism. If the gov't didn't take 18-25% of your income in taxes ... you'd be able to afford to pay for your own healthcare and retirement. If you chose not to, that's your problem ... not your neighbors'.
Walt, I don't see your math working out. The average family with two children will need to pay probably 5 k a year for health insurance, and to send the two kids to college will cost about 80k, making this a 20 year plan it will cost 9,000 a year. Most folks don't pay 9k in taxes every year. I'm agreeing with Syd on this one.
What's more, if you add the total of all the different taxes paid in this country the average European actually pays a smaller percentage of their income to the government.
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