kalm wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 5:03 pm
UNI88 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 3:42 pm
You serious Clark? Is the most desirable cave chick wanting to procreate with the best hunter not a way of measuring economic value? I don't think the metrics are the same but the underlying principles are.
What should workers do in a society where their economic value is diminished/unrealized? That's a really broad question and it depends on the situation. The obligation to a worker who was injured on the job and is no longer able to work is different than it is to an able-bodied worker whose job has been eliminated by automation or to a worker who didn't like their job options and decided to not work anymore.
Yes I’m serious, Mort. Caveman mating desirables are a weird way to philosophize about prehistoric economics.
We are obligated as a society to provide for all. Or should it be solely based on economic productivity? Age, physical limitations, worker injury, mental disorders, addiction, all play rolls in ability to work.
And don’t get me started on the economics of want vs. need. You can’t have a producer class without a working class full of wants.
We’re probably closer to agreement in this than you might think. Again, similar to regulations, it’s just arguing degrees.
How would you quantify prehistoric economics? Societies throughout history that have rewarded economic productivity.
I don't think we have an obligation to provide for all. If someone is capable of working and won't, society isn't obligated to take care of them. Ancient societies would have ridiculed and driven them away.
We live in an age where most people can and should take care of themselves and that includes in retirement. I drive a 10+ year old car and live modestly. I don't think my income and the retirement nest egg that I've worked hard and sacrificed to build should be taxed to help someone who buys new cars every 5 years; has the latest, greatest iPhone; and likes to eat out afford retirement. The government would be punishing good behavior and rewarding bad behavior and that's fvcked up.
I think we should be helping those who truly can't help themselves but I likely believe the qualifications (mental health, disability, etc.) to be considered are much stricter than you do. Addiction isn't an absolute yes for inclusion.
How we define community and how we help each other as a community shouldn't just be about the government taking from those that have and giving to those that don't.
Whatever we do, we shouldn't lose our pioneer, can-do spirit. That means the freedom to make choices and take responsibility for the results is just as important as community. We are culturally different from our cousins who didn't leave Europe in that regard and it's an important part of who we are. To deny that is to deny (social) science.