Friday 24 October 2008

Redistribution of Wealth


The following came through my spam collector today.

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight. I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful. At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more. I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.


Now for me this sums up American politics. It misses out so much just to get a point across, and you can decide what the point is for yourself! It does not say why the homeless guy was homeless. Was it his fault? Is he just a lazy bum or someone who life treated badly? Is he injured or sick, or made redundant when it was not his fault? We are not told.

Neither are we told that in many American diners the staff are badly paid, if paid is the word, and live on the tips, hence the smiling service. This is not good service from someone who cares, just desperation for the cash whether they deserve it or not!

So many Yanks are full of the myth of America and talk of 'liberty' or the 'American dream,' and sometimes I wonder if their feet ever touch the ground. Now we have all met good Americans, and some post comments here - and if not are thinking comments at this moment which may be better off posted elsewhere! America has much to give to the world, yet their love of money destroys them, for in the end that is what the 'dream' comes down to. Freedom to do your own thing and get rich, this equals happiness! Wrong! This leads to the rich getting richer, the poor being downtrodden and those climbing high climbing over anyone who gets in the way. That does not bring any happiness because when they get to the top there is nothing there!

The redistribution of wealth has been suggested before. Under Reagan Catholic bishops wanted more given to Americas poor and were branded as 'Communistic and un-American! The desire for democracy as opposed to monarchical rule ends with monarchical rule by those with the money and connections to get to the top. The voting system being manipulated by some to keep things this way. Maybe this time it will be different, but will anything really change?

Redistribution of wealth is not 'socialist' not 'communist,' it does not give to those who do not try, nor does it take from those who work for it, instead it cares! Those who love mammon do not care, for others or themselves, they are enslaved by greed and that is idolatry. The desire to have and keep it all destroys all who go after it, while those who seek their needs and share find life! Jesus never commented on wealth sharing, although the poor are with us always, but he did tell us to care. Paul spoke of the 'Love of money' being the 'root of all evil,' and still we pursue this! If America wants to be successful it needs to share its wealth with itself and the world. Then the likes of 9/11 would never happen, Yanks would never be told to 'Go home' ever again, and the world, and America, would be a happier place.

6 comments:

Gerry Hatrić said...

Back with a vengeance I see! :)

Da Old Man said...

I agree with some of what you say. Much of the current trouble in America is related to greed, coupled with impatience, which I would guess may stem from greed.
The attitude is that not only do I want something (a house--not a home, a car--not transportation, a vacation--not recreation) but I want it now. A house, transportation, and recreation are needs, those other things are wants. Somehow, they have gotten confused, and ingrained as needs. Therefore they are acquired whether one can afford them or not. That is greed. So is the responsibility by the business or the consumer? It seems to be shared. But, of course, everyone loves to seek a victim.

Mike Rose said...

Yes, I'm none to happy with our friends across the pond at the moment.
Since the Thai Baht is tied to the USD my poor old British pound is taking, if you will excuse the pun, a pounding. Seems to me I am in some way repaying the debt we owe the good old US of A for winning WW2 all by themselves.
Now where did I put those envelopes and white powder?

Unknown said...

Very well said, but keep in mind that "redistribution of wealth" plans can lead to just as much greed--just in the pockets of others.

IJ Hanna Lucky said...

Dear Adullamite, Well said, I love the post so much but I also agree with fishhawk that "redistribution of wealth" plans can lead to just as much greed--just in the pockets of others".

Godbless and Love

as for the Loose Women post, SAD SAD SAD!!!

Sandra said...

Yes. there is too much greed in America, but can't we find greed in every nation? I believe the whole world to be getting confused over wants and needs. Teaching our children by buying things for them instead of taking the time to love them. The more you have the better you are is a gross infraction.

Just because you give someone money doesn't always make problems go away. More likly than not giving money aways causes more problems. Let's say we gave you money and someone found out that it was more than they got. So things like 9/11 would happen.

Your right about Jesus but not everyone in the USA believes in him. Does everyone in your country? Can't wait for the day when we all do.

Love and Hugs :)