[shakeup]

OK, one wee reply...


"However, we do not believe that government is the best tool for meeting the needs of the poor."


Fair enough. Though I think that there are probably areas in which the government is better, and other areas where the market is better. I say use the best tool for the job!



"Grand schemes to achieve equality at the expense of liberty result in societies that are neither equal nor free. One need only look at the bloody history of the last century to see that this is so."


Right. But I'm not talking about any grand scheme here, just comparatively little things like nationalized health care, welfare, free education, etc. I don't think anything like that has ever started a war.



Now off to bed... Good night.

[tacticalogic]

Right. But I'm not talking about any grand scheme here, just comparatively little things like nationalized health care, welfare, free education, etc. I don't think anything like that has ever started a war.

I don't think a little social Darwinism has ever started a war either. Political Darwinism is another matter, and is the method by which you "progressives" seek to advance your agenda. The end doesn't justify the means, and will do more harm than good in the long run.

[Logophile]

Fair enough. Though I think that there are probably areas in which the government is better, and other areas where the market is better. I say use the best tool for the job!

We agree about using the best tool for the job. However, keep in mind that government and "the market" are not the only institutions of importance in a healthy society. Families, churches, and voluntary associations can do a far better job of caring for the poor and needy than government bureaucrats.

Right. But I'm not talking about any grand scheme here, just comparatively little things like nationalized health care, welfare, free education, etc. I don't think anything like that has ever started a war.

The items you listed—health care, welfare, free education, etc.—are not such "little things." Depending on what you mean by "etc.," you are likely talking about more than half of the nation's output. And these things have started wars. Tens of millions of persons were murdered by socialists in the pursuit of equality during the past century.

Now off to bed... Good night.

Pleasant dreams. Perhaps you will have a chance to read this and respond this tomorrow.