The answer we were looking for (not necessarily the correct answer, since the question was general in nature) was; "NO, people should not be punished if they have done nothing wrong."
The question it beggared was; Should people who have done nothing to deserve reward be rewarded? Unlike the first question I think the answer to that question is somewhat blurred in many minds.
As a society we reward many who aren't deserving. It always leads to unintended consequences for society even if the consequences for those doing the rewarding are clear once we ask ourselves why they are handing out the rewards. On this point the answer is; government trades our money as a reward for political power via votes.
This rather circuitous path to my point, not to mention the garbled and awkward process, has probably bored you to a blank stare by now. So let's get to the conclusion.
When politicians give undeserved rewards to companies after suckering us into believing it's for our own good they achieve their intended purposes, not ours.
The answer to the second question is, NO.
Subsidies as payments for power are an abuse of power and wrong. No matter who is being subsidized. Whether it's corporations, small businesses or individuals, the results always have consequences. Usually bad consequences. So politicians are being rewarded for bad behavior.
By reading this you have been punished without guilt, or rewarded without merit. Only you can judge that.
I always urge people to reject the practice of government subsidies and punishments. I suggest starting from the most expensive, corporate subsidies. Only then should we be working down to buying people off with others' money. Both are horrible. One costs more than the other and is easier to stop.
As always, your comments are solicited.
5 comments:
I admit to not participating in the first half of this exercise, but, I do have one thought worth mentioning here. It seems to me that anytime Govt. makes our money available, prices go up.
Very much agreed. One of many bad consequences.
In a side thought I have always believed that you only reward what you want repeated.
Spot on. I can't think of anything the government subsidizes with my money that I desire to be repeated. Things that people want do not require subsidies. As an add on, good ideas also need no government support.
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