An Analysis of Motivations for Income Redistribution [pdf]

Re:An Analysis of Motivations for Income Redistribution [pdf] by Thriptic on Friday September 09, 2016 @03:13PM (#12465244)

I think it's a stretch to say that tax payer funded services and social welfare programs are the same thing. The taxes I pay to fund my local police force and fire department directly benefit me. Their services keep me safe. Taxes I pay for social welfare programs do not necessarily benefit me. They benefit the recipient of the money. This is what is commonly thought of as income redistribution. You can make the argument that I'm effectively paying for an insurance policy, or that by supporting the recipients I am supporting the economy which in the end supports me, but the relationship is not nearly as direct.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:An Analysis of Motivations for Income Redistribution [pdf] by BeetleB on Friday September 09, 2016 @08:12PM (#12466957)

>I think it's a stretch to say that tax payer funded services and social welfare programs are the same thing.

And I think your stretching your definitions to suit your level of income redistribution.

The conversation of how much and what type does need to occur. I just wish everyone realized that it is income redistribution. Your level of what your comfortable with is simply different from others.

>You can make the argument that I'm effectively paying for an insurance policy, or that by supporting the recipients I am supporting the economy which in the end supports me, but the relationship is not nearly as direct.

It is not very direct with fire and police, either. With both of them, it is effectively an insurance policy. If you benefited from the police, it is not clear you contributed in taxes as much as is needed to get that benefit. And I'm sure you would not advocate a system where you get only as much police benefit as what you put in.

[ Parent | on HN ]