I wouldn't generally post in this type of thread, but I need to point out something re the rich/poor debate.
My natural tendency is to be a socialist since I believe in equality. It's hard to climb a ladder you don't even know exists. So, my first instinct is always to say, yes, let's distribute wealth. I know a lot rich, selfish people. I don't think they have the foggiest clue how to help their fellow man, even if they have the desire to do so.
Unfortunately, having worked with the federal government far too often, I don't really trust them to spend the money any more than I trust a random wealthy person to spend the money.
IMO, all the systems are seriously screwed up. The socialist system depends on a bureaucratic nightmare wherein wealth is distributed on the basis of flow charts and computer programs, none of which can accurately represent reality. The money supposedly taken for the general welfare ends up being spent on needless renovation or endless studies that conclude nothing.
The capitalist system depends on the charity of the wealthy to care for those who cannot care of themselves. This is clearly problematic because of the simple fact that most humans are self-interested to the point of narcissism. If you're lucky, the wealthy person was raised with a conscience and cares about others. But even then, it's a matter of getting the 'ear' of the wealthy person in order to have your cause be heard. And, the wealthy can become swept up in their charity balls and other events that are more social activities than actual fundraisers.
Basically, I think we should all just agree that the systems we have are flawed. They were invented by flawed human beings and are therefore bound to have issues. I have friends in both camps (and a few Marxists and anarchists just to mix it up) and what I hate most about it is that they can't seem to be civil to each other. They're so sure their POV is right, they demonize the opposition instead of learning from them. I disagree with this entire mentality.
This is why I could not vote in this poll. Every single politician I know lies. It's their job. Even the ones I actually like as people aren't necessarily people I would want as friends. They wouldn't get to run for president if they were an honest grocery store clerk. Nobody wants to hear the hard truth or that someone doesn't have an answer. We want to be promised things, to believe that a utopia is possible. As long as we, the people, continue to expect marketing from our politicians to get votes, we are never going to elect anyone worthy of the office. It's pretty easy to stand on the outside and say what should be done, but by the time a politician runs for presidency, he has sold and compromised pretty much everything just to be able to get along with people. That's the sad truth. No matter how much Obama claims to be the fresh new voice, he's not. He got where he was by trading in the backrooms just like Clinton, just like McCain. They all do. Especially the successful ones.
This is why I now call myself a "nothing." I have no political views anymore. None. I only vote because I feel it's my civic duty. It's not a great place to be, let me tell you.
I now close this depressing rant. I also take this moment to encourage anyone with children to consider moving to a deserted island. Possibly on another planet.
