Redistrubuting wealth

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-31-2003
Redistrubuting wealth
3
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 2:07am

Ooof, I hope I don't regret asking this question. :-) I've been a member of ivillage since May '04, and I've been lurking on and off of this board for a few weeks. Like many of you, I've spent a lot of time thinking about this election, and I really like the way you all debate. Very respectful, and most of the time your opinions are backed up with a demonstration of prior knowledge and education and/or a link to a source. So, I'm confused about something, and I thought you ladies may be able to help me.


I'm a former democrat turned libertarian, but still leaning pretty hard left. I keep hearing the terms "redistribution of wealth," as well as "socialism." Now, I know on the surface what those things mean, but I don't know nitty-gritty details about redistribution. From some opinions and comments, it would appear that the government is literally taking money out of the pockets of the "wealthy" and putting it directly into the pockets of "poor" individuals. But, I'm guessing it has more to do with funding social programs that aid and assist those poor individuals, and there isn't a big old fat check just written to people who make below a certain amount? Does anybody have an answer (or need me to clarify my question -- I'm so confused about it that I'm not even really sure how to word my question), or does anybody have a link to some good literature?

peter pan siggy may miracles blinkiegingersnaps blinkie
peter pan siggy
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2008
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 8:21am

Since it was instituted in 1913, the income tax has ALWAYS been a redistribution of wealth.


My advice is don't

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-15-2008
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 8:38am

Both candidates plans are not very far off what the government already does- tax people and pay for services with the tax money.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2007
Thu, 10-30-2008 - 9:00am

Good question! I think many people have gotten hung up on the term "spread the wealth". Not so much b/c Obama said it in the first place, but more so b/c McCain is using it to try to scare people by implying socialism. I, personally,

Chrissy
mom to Aidan 8/21/03
Grayson Blaine 12/30/07