Philosophy Now Forum

Are taxes for entitlement programs, such as, welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid immoral? Why or why not?

The only proper function of government is social integration, which implies that everybody is treated equally, with no special entitlement programs to anybody for anything.

Good answer…thank you.
Do you think the US govt has accomplished this and how can they do better.
How can society change policy…voting seems like a joke on the national level
and not much better on the local level….thank you

R2D2 wrote:Good answer…thank you.
Do you think the US govt has accomplished this and how can they do better.
How can society change policy…voting seems like a joke on the national level
and not much better on the local level….thank you

No, the U.S. government doesn't even come close. For instance, the only proper form of taxation is a single ad valorem tax on everything with intrinsic market value, with no exemptions of any kind. That means everything is taxed, including the buildings and equipment of schools, hospitals, churches and other so-called non-profit organizations. My political party concept, the American Energy Party (AEP) could accomplish the necessary changes through what I call the Champagne Sherry Principle.

R2D2 wrote:Are taxes for entitlement programs, such as, welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid immoral? Why or why not?

what would make something immoral or moral

do you think that this question can be answered through empirical means

so if taxes for entitlement programs produce some measurable benefit - would such benefits provide justification?

or is this purely a matter of rights - so benefits of entitlement programs do not matter at all, as randroids think

R2D2 wrote:Are taxes for entitlement programs, such as, welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid immoral? Why or why not?

Be nice if you actually stated your opinion. As so far all your posts sound like you want others to do your homework.

Immoral? You can't ask whether it is immoral or not unless you define from what basis you are arguing.

Ask Ebenezer Scrooge and he'll say a very loud "yes"... ask Che Guevara and you'll get a very loud "no".

The Voice of Time wrote:Immoral? You can't ask whether it is immoral or not unless you define from what basis you are arguing.

Ask Ebenezer Scrooge and he'll say a very loud "yes"... ask Che Guevara and you'll get a very loud "no".

The first guy is a fictional character and the second guy is dead. You'll be waiting a long time for a reply from either of them.

My world unfortunately lacks somebody tough enough to very loud on the "no", but perhaps I should've said "ask Bobevenson"?

Well Che is dead, so let's take his Castro instead. Although Castro is getting really old, and notorious for long speeches you should expect a volume of pages in response.

The Voice of Time wrote:perhaps I should've said "ask Bobevenson"

Yes, now you're making real sense!

Well benefits are taxed in the UK, but of course the government allows for this, so the levels of benefit are higher to account for tax. Benefits are not what bothers me it's those who avoid paying taxes at all, by using various dubious loopholes. They cost governments a considerable amount 100 times more than benefit cheats. And the fact that it is the rich that mostly that do this makes it even more egregious. If you have to pay tax, pay it don't put your vast wealth in an offshore account so you don't have to pay millions in tax or use tax loopholes to avoid paying your due, your actions only increase the burden of debt many governments have and hence although they affect you not at all, the poorest can often suffer. The Conservatives are particularly good at robbing Peter to pay Paul for example. Not that I am a communist or owt, but these sorts of views are considered fairly normal.

The only proper form of taxation is a single tax on property, property being defined as anything with intrinsic market value. All property should be taxed, whether it be personal, business or non-profit. There should be no exemptions of any kind. All other forms of taxation should be abolished, such as income tax, sales tax and the thousands of other taxes levied by federal, state, county and local authorities. There should be no other source of funding available to any level of government, which would be an obvious conflict of interest. For instance, judicial fines should be completely eliminated. The cost of governmental controls such as driver's licenses and automobile plates are a function of and should be completely defrayed by the government.

scrooge objected to requests for donations over and above his taxes - there is nothing to suggest that he found the taxes immoral

wasn't Che's only paying job in his life - being the guy in charge of summary executions for Fidel?

Kayla wrote:scrooge objected to requests for donations over and above his taxes - there is nothing to suggest that he found the taxes immoral

wasn't Che's only paying job in his life - being the guy in charge of summary executions for Fidel?

It doesn't matter what people say or do, the only thing of importance is their political-economic argument, which Bob the Baptist makes with spiritual authority.

Bob the baptist... you are so correct...I like your mind-set.
In my opinion Bob said it perfectly I would only like to add that people can offset entitlement programs through volunteering, and donations. Morality has nothing to do with this issue either way. People can choose to live in intentional living communities. There are countless utopian, green, religious, communistic or other types of living communities that cater to all wants and preferences. Personally, I find it a refreshing change to an overly capitalistic, consumer based individualistic culture that we have. We need a revolution in this country now! Society is dead...asleep....complacent...apathetic and too lazy to use facebook/twitter for social and political advancement. We have all we need to change this country to whatever we want but sheeple would rather num themselves with tv, sports, living through their kids, over eating .......
We spend billions and billions in robbing and stealing other countries resources. Tell your f&^$% kids to go to school instead of working for murders.
"If you want to end terrorism that stop participating in it."
Ok, you said you wanted me to "state my opinions" I did.

NOW if I get haters I will lose interest.. I'm not here to be the smartest and if you are no one else cares so f**&%# OFF.