#Minimum wage
>> Not so, however, with government. Governments are in the
>> 'business' of self perpetuation, first and formost. They do
>> not act in a manner that is automatically good for anything
>> other than their own self perpetuation. While a government
>> MIGHT do something that is actually good for the society it
>> governs, it is merely a coincidental situation. This, in my
>> opinion, is nothing more or less than the bureaucratic
>> equivalent of a pyramid scheme; which has only itself to sell.
For the most part I agree although not completely. Our
government and, hopefully, yours is still somewhat answerable to its
citizens. For example, there is a lot of talk about tax cuts after
the November elections. (Enuff said!) I've seen a pyramid scheme
firsthand. I believe it to be worse than our governments. It is
certainly true that government can and will do things that citizens
are not permitted.
Permit me to remind you of your words from Weird Science:
I, for one, would like to aim for at least that position; that of
taxation for defense, police, judiciary.
These functions that YOU name as purposes of government are not
typical of a pyramid scheme.
Sir, you contradict yourself!
>> Is it? I think it is fair comment on the results of my
>> opponent's philosophy.
I am leery of the extremes of either philosophy. Too much conservatism
leads to a 'big brother' type of society. Too much liberalism leads to chaos.
"the market as an indicator of significant results."
>>Could be. I am not at all sure what you mean by that.
Probably too much shorthand to the extent that I was cryptic instead
of concise.
>> seen and spoken to people who are in useless, parasitic jobs,
>> and who happen to know and admit it, and who also happen to be
>> civil servants. . . . Nor do I say that all civil service jobs
>>are useless and/or parasitic.
My father is a retired rural letter carrier. Many of my family
have worked or are working in civil service or other government
jobs. I believe that our effects are neither useless nor parasitic.
>> Well, in that case, how about a little reasoning?
Why not comparison and example?
You appear to be following a Jeffersonian model of reasoning in
that the government that governs least governs best. His mansion is
a delight to visit especiallly since I am an engineer. I have seen
his duplicating pen, his automatic French doors, his clock, etc. He
did carry efficiency too far in that his staircases are too narrow
for safe use such that it is not reasonably possible for tourists to
visit the other stories of Monticello.
Since I have a day job, I'm going to have to forego posting in
the wee hours of the morning.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may the government(s) indeed
get rid of the pyramids with police, judges, and/or defense and
otherwise let us all get on with our daily concerns and pleasure!
Good [ night | morning] !