Originally posted by 87e30
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The intention behind these programs aren't any more of an entitlement or handout than what your local police, fire, waste removal, etc. We all share the cost of these programs via taxes, and these departments are examples of functional socialist systems in our environment. Some are run better than others, but all in all it's much cheaper for the individual to pay thier share of taxes than it is to hire private security, install a commercial grade fire supression system, etc.
Other programs like unemployment are safety nets. I'm sure some people out there find ways to play the system, but the vast majority of people are thankful that there is a little help to pay the bills should something bad happen. Most people don't have enough in the bank to last 4 months should something happen. I don't, and would bet 10:1 that you don't either. I'd have to take the first shit job that comes along regardless of it being a non-career 50% paycut or not.
When it comes down to the actual execution, how thick the lawbooks are, how much more efficiently tax collection could be refined.. we have totally missed the boat. No arguing this point. And yeah anyone with an "entitlement attitude" regarding getting assistance is infuriating, no matter what the actual situation.
When you go the opposite direction with a program, in hopes that competition will drive down prices, it's a whole different set of pros and cons. Each one has to be taken on a case by case basis on if a private model is feasible or not. What if instead of unemployment your tax was lowered a little bit and companies out there offered job loss insurance. Would I expect a similar experience to my car insurance? noooo thanks. Not if I want it to be useful _before_ the electric is disconnected. They act like I'm killing them if I file a claim, but are on me like white on rice if I make a late payment. Then try to lowball me and shit. Plus half the people that didn't go for the insurance would be up a creek and needing even more help from anywhere they can get it, perhaps even adding to the forclosure mess. Well maybe insurance was a bad example, seeing as they tend to be the most anti-competitive of the bunch.. classic examples of market manipulation, ceo's getting paid 1000x what the employees do, yadda yadda.
Part of me thinks people only defend someone making hundreds of millions because they really truly think they could be that guy one day. Not unless you sell your soul you won't.
looks like i'm drifting off into a spiteful rant. gonna punch out before i get stupid.
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