reply to post by Nightfury
Dear Nightfury,
Well done! I agree with your post completely. I love it when I can learn something new and walk off into the sunset in full agreement with an ATSer.
You've nailed it. Can I buy you a beer?
We've refined the problem to the point where it's less about how much wealth someone has, but what they do with what they have. I agree there are
better things to do with wealth than to buy $700,000 cars, fur dying for a poodle, or the vote of a Congressman.
What do we do about it? I can only see two paths. Either use government power to force people to spend their money in certain ways (or take it from
them), or set up a series of incentives to encourage people to spend it in better ways. I'm not too excited about using government force. I'm
ashamed to admit it, but I don't trust them any more.
What kind of incentives? Here we've got to be a little more creative. And remember, this is just one of the crazy ideas that I get when I'm goofy.
In England someone can get the title of Duke of Westchester, "Sir," "Baron," or "Earl." Could we do something like that here? Donate a
million dollars to a national organization and win the title "Sir." Donate it to a particular town and get called the "Baron of Springfield."
We could have City, State, and Federal "Medals of Philanthrophy." States could issue special license plates, pass resolutions declaring "Nightfury
day of Appreciation" with fancy calligraphy and seals, on a document suitable for framing. Perhaps a bust in the State Capitol. You could upgrade
it to a plaque and a full size statue for the really big givers.
I'm getting carried way, but you can see what I'm thinking. Provide the wealthy for a reason to change their hearts and attitudes. I'm against
forcing, but all for persuading. That, by the way, is also the difference between rape and marriage.
WAY OFF TOPIC -> Is our government full of people who are all about power for themselves? Could it be that they are more interested in "Force"
than "Persuasion?" Are we being "raped" by our government? It feels that way sometimes.
With respect,
Charles1952