[XYZ]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I'm thrilled by this political discourse that has stayed above the ad-hominems and references to Nazis. I thank you all.

Very true. The availability of options does not eliminate problems. As long as people are around, we will have problems.

Yes, we will always have problems. That is "the human condition". But the availability of choices is the measure of freedom.

No or little choice = restricted, or little, or NO freedom to choose.

Can you have too may choices? Can you have too much freedom?

While reduction of problems is an important objective of mine, the system (gov't or community) doing the problem solving needs to do so while minimizing violence to other individuals.

You think in terms of a "SYSTEM". Reduction = restriction. You think of that as a personal "objective" "of mine". Who do you think you are to impose your will upon others? Others think that the problem will be solved by allowing individual freedom to run its course, with no intervention from you or others who feel threatened by freedom.

You apparently assume that a "system" is necessary to reduce problems and do "problem solving". You apparently also assume that individuals, if left alone WILL do "violence" to "other individuals".

That is an assumption. Some might be aggressive, but most won't. Your assumption is based upon the restriction of freedom which is what always occurs when people become frightened, want to insure their power and security, and thus vote for more RESTRICTIONS.

Example; Paul may be in desperate need of resources, but justice is not served if Peter is forced to provide those resources. The root problem is that Paul doesn't have enough, not that Peter has too much.

No, the root problem is that Peter is being robbed by others who approve of "robbing Peter to pay Paul". Given politics and voting, that WILL happen - Peter will be forced to pay for Paul.

Is that your idea of JUSTICE?

Although we can't eliminate problems, we can at least be mindful to reduce injustice.

We could always limit or eradicate ANYTHING by political force. That is hardly the measure of justice. "Justice" achieved through force is not justice. It is merely coercion enforced with the approval of a mob - of voters, thugs, politicians, whatever.

Future generations should not be saddled with debt and a terrible economy. Neither should they inherit a poor environment or squandered resources.

Too late to close the barn door...

You get to pay. You won't receive as much as you thought. Because you will be paying for the supposed political remedy imposed.

The measure of shadenfreude of which you approve is that someone will be forced to pay more than you will be forced to pay.

BTW, that is how the National Socialist Party began. The negative human emotions of envy and retribution, seen as "justice" are easily exploited.

Exploitation and restriction are two sides of the same political coin.

Live and let live.