Socialism in Action

Off Topic Politics & World Issues
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This article was quite interesting regarding this topic. I am doing research understanding the economic benefits of Socialism. Belgium is considered one of the most productive countries however this is what an American research institute had to say…

http://www.amcham.be/FocusArticleFullArticle/tabid/281/smid/1161/ArticleID/264/reftab/36/t/Belgium-ranked-as-the-3rd-most-productive-country-in-the-world/Default.aspx

-Although Belgium has a high productivity score, it might not be all good news. Firstly, the results could be influenced by the fact that only 34.5% of its employable population aged 55 to 65 are actually working and in turn this group may be less productive in hard labor.
Secondly, Belgian salaries are on average 11% higher than those of neighboring countries (the Netherlands, Germany and France). Some economists believe that Belgium’s high productivity level per hour isn’t beneficial for companies with a large workforce, given the higher labor costs. This will place Belgium at a disadvantage as it makes it a less attractive place to do business. It will in turn encourage more automation where possible, which will reduce its employment level. According to Philippe LeDent, an economist at ING, it would be more beneficial to occupy a lower rank, with a lower productivity level, and consequently attain higher employment.-

I am sure socialism holds many benefits however rewarding everyone on the the same level no matter the delivery or outpuy per individual does have it’s drawbacks.

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[quote]John S. wrote:

How do you figure? If someone I know is sick I will help them because thats what I want to do, but I will not have the state come and force me to pay for someone I do not know.

If people wish to give to charities that is fine, I give to a few myself but this notion that we are our brothers keepers is one giant load of shit.

The collectivist won’t revolt they will work on the state level like the constitution requires and eventually you will see things balanced out. For instance someplace like Texas will more then likely be Laissez faire where California would be Socialist. California will go bankrupt and over time crazy thoughts like collectivism will disappear[/quote]

But the economic reality is that unless you’re very wealthy, the amount you’d be willing to donate to a sick friend probably wouldn’t even pay for an MRI. Healthcare costs are so hi now, you need a massive pool to pull money from. We’re not talking donating $25 so your buddy can see Doc Miller down the road.

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[quote]mbm693 wrote:

[quote]Brother Chris wrote:

[quote]mbm693 wrote:

[quote]Brother Chris wrote:

[quote]mbm693 wrote:

[quote]Brother Chris wrote:

[quote]mbm693 wrote:

[quote]Brother Chris wrote:

[quote]dmaddox wrote:

[quote]StevenF wrote:
Why is it that people that seem to be in favor of socialism choose not to live in a socialist country? [/quote]

Because Mommy and Daddy are paying for their school and well being, so it is like Socialism in their mind.[/quote]

Warren Buffet believes the same thing, he won’t leave his kids with shit because he sees it has a bag full of food stamps.[/quote]

Idiot…

Buffett once commented, “I want to give my kids just enough so that they would feel that they could do anything, but not so much that they would feel like doing nothing”.[/quote]

Yes, I have read the Snowball, thank you. He also plans on giving them 1.5 million each when he dies. That is “shit” for the riches man in the world.[/quote]

That’s a whole lot of food stamps. You were lying to prop up your point of view. Minus 1.5 million internetz. [/quote]

As much as he has, he is not leaving them ‘shit.’ Yes, it is a lot of food stamps, if you have read The Snowball, you would understand what I am talking about that he views leaving inheritance is non-contributing to society.[/quote]

I’m well aware of Buffet’s stance on large inheritances, but that doesn’t change the fact that your original statement was completely inaccurate. [/quote]

I am glad, I am not looking at this from my perspective, I am looking at Buffet’s point of view. He’s not really leaving them much.[/quote]

From his perspective, he’s leaving them enough to “enough so that they would feel that they could do anything”. That’s a lot more than “shit”. You were misrepresenting his position to back up yours. [/quote]

Yes that was an off comment, I also read how much he was planning on giving them.

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[quote]Spartiates wrote:

[quote]John S. wrote:

How do you figure? If someone I know is sick I will help them because thats what I want to do, but I will not have the state come and force me to pay for someone I do not know.

If people wish to give to charities that is fine, I give to a few myself but this notion that we are our brothers keepers is one giant load of shit.

The collectivist won’t revolt they will work on the state level like the constitution requires and eventually you will see things balanced out. For instance someplace like Texas will more then likely be Laissez faire where California would be Socialist. California will go bankrupt and over time crazy thoughts like collectivism will disappear[/quote]

But the economic reality is that unless you’re very wealthy, the amount you’d be willing to donate to a sick friend probably wouldn’t even pay for an MRI. Healthcare costs are so hi now, you need a massive pool to pull money from. We’re not talking donating $25 so your buddy can see Doc Miller down the road.[/quote]

I do not even understand what this is supposed to mean.

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I believe he means this private charity will come up short.

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[quote]espenl wrote:
I believe he means this private charity will come up short.[/quote]

What about collective private charity?

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[quote]Brother Chris wrote:

[quote]Dabba wrote:

[quote]Sloth wrote:
I can’t recall any discussions about civic duty. Duty to fellow man and neighbor.[/quote]

Problem is, progressives turn this into massive welfare programs and a whole host of other parasitic entitlements. Duty ought to be voluntary, not forced. Come now, as a conservative you should know that.

On the contrary, from many libertarians I hear, “Well, I do it personally, but I don’t have the right to force anyone else to do it as well.” However, I agree that those that favor smaller government should give plausible solutions to the problems which are now handled (manhandled) by the state.[/quote]

Private charities, just like there was in Germany and Austria before their hyper inflation. The Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Lyons Club, Rotary Club all help. I just found out today that there is a large trust fund (by the Masons) in Flagstaff, AZ for widows. [/quote]

KoC and Lyons don’t advocate for shit in regards to small govn’t. Perhaps you buy into their fliers or they run it differently in Az. But sit in on a board meeting in any large chapter and you wont sing such a tune.