Re: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] Where Is the Wealth of Nations?

[Mike Miller <EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

On Sat, 13 Oct 2007, Michael wrote:

> > Exactly so. So why exactly did you bother to write the response you 
> > did? It's been a while, but I believe that Sidler's argument is not 
> > that rich Christians are wicked, but that some of them may have lost 
> > track somewhat of what their duties to those who have less might be. 
> > (Again, not all of them, but there is an audience for the book.)
>
> An attitude I've noticed is that often people who are rich, or well off, 
> think that people who aren't did something to deserve their position. As 
> if everyone that is poor does drugs, spends money foolishly, makes no 
> effort to develop job skills, etc. An attitude that totally ignores that 
> sometimes things are beyond our control.
>
> I'd say this attitude is popular among Republicans. I hear it a lot on 
> right-wing radio talk shows as an excuse as to why we shouldn't develop 
> better social programs. I hear it a lot among geeks too - regardless to 
> political affiliation.


Why are some people poor?  I think they often do have drug problems, 
mental health problems, medical conditions, etc.  People have limited 
control over all of those things.  Poor people also have less education. 
Many poor people could do better, but they won't.  The idea that they are 
to blame for their condition is a ruse to allow the rich to pay lower 
taxes.  That's what that argument is all about.

Mike

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