My inner libertarian and inner socialist are in perpetual conflict. The usual outcome is 'I want a Government that is entirely hands off but still is a safety net for those who need it' - I go into the complexities of my schizophrenic position here.
You've hit the nail on the head there, people should be allowed to enjoy the fruits of their labour... but that's it. The vast majority of people are enjoying the fruits of someone else's labour. The way we redistribute the fruits are key to a better society.
People generally pay for things they think are value for money. That's the argument for the NHS here, but they don't like paying for things that aren't value for money. My argument for 'free' university is predicated on the fact it offers society value for money. It's an investment in quality outcomes. At the moment it is simply a large bloated and meaningless factory, the exorbitant costs being paid for by those least able to pay for it. It's the wrong system.
And yes, there's an argument that charities should be subsumed into Government departments and local authorities- but most people I've met in those seem to be ragingly incompetent as well. I'm not a huge fan of capitalism (as my writing will attest) but attention needs to be paid to what people say they're going to do and whether they do it efficiently. Overseen as a business and forced into self funding by a talented staff, it'll likely become more functional and better at problem solving. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation seems to be doing what combined Governments cannot. I guess we'll see in the fullness of time.
Thanks for dropping by :o)
