What is your political affiliation? (US politics)

[UR20Z]

Yeah... don't DO that that then.

Hysterical patient: Doctor, doctor! It hurts when I do THIS!
Exasperated Doctor: Then don't do that!

 

[petshoplust]

To be honest I would be best described as a conservative Libertarian. However there was no option for that choice. Why a libertarian? Well as a conservative Libertarian, if you decide you want to be a drunk or Addict, that is ok, with me. Just don't expect me to pay for anything you think you need. NO government handouts, no food, no housing, no anything. You drug/Alcohol use is your problem. not mine. You want to eat, then give up the drugs and get a job. Your family need food or housing. That is your problem alone. Nobody owes you anything. Sounds harsh to you? Not from my side. Keep taxes low. Self defense and military only. We need police, border patrol, fire department and that is just about all.

 

[Qui3t]

NO government handouts, no food, no housing, no anything. You drug/Alcohol use is your problem. not mine. You want to eat, then give up the drugs and get a job. Your family need food or housing. That is your problem alone. Nobody owes you anything. Sounds harsh to you? Not from my side. Keep taxes low. Self defense and military only. We need police, border patrol, fire department and that is just about all.

I certainly understand your viewpoint, and the conversation about someone reaching into your wallet on someone else's behalf is another whole topic. I would only point out that anthropologically, humans are a deeply social species, with a long history of 'caring' for the sick or elderly or those that cannot contribute directly to 'the hunt or housemaking'. Elders have often been cared for as a repository of historical knowledge or tradition.

So.. I think there are social reasons to assist with care for certain folks.
But I guess now that we have Google... and Old folks homes...

As least you mentioned fire service. Something many forget about 'as a thing'.
Roads, roads help.

But yes, the scope of government could be deeply reduced.
Perhaps even starting with the biggest consumer: Military/Dark Budgets

 

[petshoplust]

Ok you got me there. People who are mentally will be needed to be cared for, However for some elderly people who are sick, abuse the generosity of the government. Here is the scenario. Elderly owns a house and has some savings/investments. Family wants the inheritance, not the medical bills. Elderly COULD pay for it, bat family WANTS the inheritance. So Elderly person sells the house to a family member for a token amount. Elderly transfers investment/savings to a family member. Sick elderly is now indigent or poor. Family now turns the elderly person over to the government (tax payers) to care for their elderly family member. Think welfare and Medi-cal. So family keeps the inheritance and tax payers get screwed for the medical payments.

Lets look at another scam some do. Some people spend all their money when younger. Living the fast lane. Best of everything. Why save for your retirement years. Why plan for your golden years. Government (tax player) will care for you. So now you are 65 no savings for retirement, all spent in your younger years.

Me, I saved and did without some things to save enough money for my retirement. I planned well. I am now 71. Been retired 14 years. I hope to get 10 more years of life. I have had female dogs for the last 9 years.