The Uselessness of Private Charity

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by David Floyd
Maybe, but the church fund is voluntary - I can give any amount I want, from zero to everything.

So, how much did you give last year?

Originally posted by David Floyd
You're right, it's easy - swallow your pride and ASK for help rather than DEMAND help that you're somehow "due".

A society has a moral obligation to help its least fortunate members.

[Dis]

I wish I was unemployed. I want to stay home all day and play computer games.

[Whoha]

Re: The Uselessness of Private Charity

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
As you may know, I'm currently on unemployment (my last month, also). I get enough to pay rent, with $300 left over for phone, DSL, electricity, and food. It's not enough, so I tried to get charity to help with the electric bill.

First they told me they couldn't help unless the power company was threatening to to cut off the power. Now that the power company is doing just that, I can't get through to any of the charities to get help. They are swamped with calls.

There's too many people in need and not enough private charity to go around. And some people want more of this.


BTW, this is not a "help us thread," just a complaint about the idea that private charities are an answer and better than the government.

how did the government cheese job work out?

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Dissident
I wish I was unemployed. I want to stay home all day and play computer games.

It gets boring after a while.

[Agathon]

I wish Agathon would just quit with the whole "LOOK AT ME IM THE SOVIET UNION!!!1!1" routine

Shuddup bourgeois!!!

[DaShi]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger


This from somebody who has even less experience than Asher.

Please stop the personal attacks.

[Whaleboy]

A society has a moral obligation to help its least fortunate members.

How do you work that one out?

[David Floyd]

So, how much did you give last year?

None - why should I, when I'm already forced to give through taxes for social programs?

A society has a moral obligation to help its least fortunate members.

I'm not sure what you think that's based on. From a utilitarian perspective, what do "the least fortunate" actually contribute? The answer seems to be a little less than nothing. From a perspective of freedom, why do the least fortunate have a lien on my income? After all, it's mine.

[Imran Siddiqui]

'Cause you've benefited from society's protections.

[Dis]

Originally posted by David Floyd


None - why should I, when I'm already forced to give through taxes for social programs?



I'm not sure what you think that's based on. From a utilitarian perspective, what do "the least fortunate" actually contribute? The answer seems to be a little less than nothing. From a perspective of freedom, why do the least fortunate have a lien on my income? After all, it's mine.

I think of it as lunch money to keep them from bullying you and breaking into your home

[Whaleboy]

Floyd, join me in this moment, of reminincing about the days when I actually gave a **** about other people, and thought there was good in humanity. Ah well. BURN THE PROLES!!

[Sava]

I want welfare money

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Whaleboy
How do you work that one out?

There are about a zillion ways. For example:

1. It's a basic belief.
2. Utilitarian: helping the least fortunate members leads to a greater overall happiness.
3. Rawlsian: the Original Position and Veil of Ignorance leads to this conclusion.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by David Floyd
None - why should I, when I'm already forced to give through taxes for social programs?

So you are not practising what you preach?

[Whaleboy]

1. It's a basic belief.

???

2. Utilitarian: helping the least fortunate members leads to a greater overall happiness.

No it doesn't.

3. Rawlsian: the Original Position and Veil of Ignorance leads to this conclusion.

Rawls sucks. I mean come on, justice is fairness? What was he sucking?