[MD] Unreality of Equality

[Arlo J. Bensinger]

Ham,

I appreciate all the stats, but I don't think you answered my questions. In the
Friedman-esque world you desire, what becomes of the poor? Charity? What
becomes of the single dad injured at work when we eliminate worker's
compensation? How does he get medicine for his kids?

Also, I am forced to ask if you're "itchin' fer a fight" :-), as you removed all
points of agreement I had made and continue to characterize my position as what
Platt calls a "radical egalitarian" seeking to "eliminate wages". Do you see no
other alternatives than (1) no safety net of any kind, "law of the jungle", no
workers comp, no welfare, no social programs of any kind, and (2) complete
redistribution of wealth, everyone living as moochers off the backs of the
"producers"? I do.

Finally, you talk about the "comfort" of the poor in America, as a good thing,
and then seem to neglect that comfort was brought about by the very programs
you are condemning. Do you think we'd be better off if the rich-poor divide
widened? If the poor lived like they do in Indonesia and other impoverished
areas? Is that what you want to see?

Another question, the "crazy panhandlers" whom you see need psychiatric help...
should the state pay for that with your taxes?

I'll just close seeking more agreement, and that is that I do feel it is an
abuse of the system when the net for those who need a helping hand is used to
sustain someone's livlihood who is otherwise capable of working.

Arlo