General Discussion

Adrahil

(13,340 posts)

30. Heck, it doesn't even have to be about "equality"

Mon May 12, 2014, 07:14 AM

May 2014

"Equality" implies that our goal should be to enforce some sort of leveling of outcome. Not only is that unnecessary, it's not ultimately healthy for the economy and for even for individuals. BUT... The high concentration of wealth in every increasing intensity is devastating. Not only does it lead to the stagnation or even decline of largely consumer-based economy, but it leads, as we've seen, to the corruption of the political system. I often disagree with Manny on the details, but he's right about this. We know what to do about this. We did with great success before. We need aggressive tax policies that counteract the wealth concentration inherit in capitalism. We need to encourage unions (though, IMO, with eye towards preventing corrupt mega unions), and tariffs to help flatten the effects of lower wages abroad.

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What is the ultimate solution to income inequality in the US? [View all] Skip Intro May 2014 OP

Equality of opportunity, elleng May 2014 #1

Equal income won't remedy income inequality? n/t Skip Intro May 2014 #2

OPPORTUNITY doesn't mean income, elleng May 2014 #4

True. Skip Intro May 2014 #5

do you think if that was done that the most productive of our country now would still oneofthe99 May 2014 #6

No, I don't. n/t Skip Intro May 2014 #11

That's why in my humble opinion equality will never be reached but oneofthe99 May 2014 #15

Wow, yes, I agree. But... Skip Intro May 2014 #17

That's why I wrote the key is to trust your government oneofthe99 May 2014 #19

Key problem. Here's a scary tangent - Skip Intro May 2014 #22

This is just opinion but I blame us the people as much as our government oneofthe99 May 2014 #23

A fine goal, elleng May 2014 #8

interesting thought experiment at the very least... yawnmaster May 2014 #10

Bingo. Yes. It is exactly that - a thought experiment. Skip Intro May 2014 #13

inequality of what? yawnmaster May 2014 #3

You consider yourself a Christian, right? Electric Monk May 2014 #7

. Skip Intro May 2014 #9

Oh, I already knew you weren't here to discuss. I thought I'd try anyway though. Electric Monk May 2014 #12

This message was self-deleted by its author Electric Monk May 2014 #20

Post removed Post removed May 2014 #21

Do what worked before. MannyGoldstein May 2014 #14

Plus one a whole bunch. Enthusiast May 2014 #26

There is no way to ultimately do away with inequality in a capitalist system. Gravitycollapse May 2014 #16

Few of us expect to do away with all inequality. It isn't realistic. Enthusiast May 2014 #27

It's about equality of opportunity, not equality of outcomes. Spider Jerusalem May 2014 #18

Probably another aspect is to ask - What is the ultimate cost of income inequality? mazzarro May 2014 #24

I can think of several possibilities Prophet 451 May 2014 #25

Do what FDR did - progressive taxes, better safety net, union protections, tighter regulation, pampango May 2014 #28

See: Taxation before Reagan Presidency. WinkyDink May 2014 #29

Heck, it doesn't even have to be about "equality" Adrahil May 2014 #30

Tax wealth, not income. safeinOhio May 2014 #31

income inequality OLDMDDEM May 2014 #32

Basic Living Income RainDog May 2014 #33

from my view Blue_Tires May 2014 #34

What is it about the current system that is working out for you? Starry Messenger May 2014 #35

Pretty much the same as the ultimate solution to social inequality in the US Fumesucker May 2014 #36

Let the workers decide what management gets paid rock May 2014 #37