Income Inequality? What are your thoughts?

2015-01-21T20:22:47-05:00

With all the talk about "income inequality", and "fair shakes" and "fair shots", what is your perspective?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-01-21T20:23:48-05:00

I am all for it. I like being diminished...lol

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-01-21T20:25:24-05:00

The American Dream is not about equality of income but rather equality of opportunity. Anyone is supposed to be able to come here and, with hard work, make a better life for themselves.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 21 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-01-21T20:26:55-05:00

I do not think it is the government's job to tax people into equality. Yes, it sucks that income inequality exists but that is life which has winners and losers. Some people take shots and get lucky and make out like gold while others have bad breaks that they may or may not recover but again it is not the government's responsibility to police this issue.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 21 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-01-21T21:06:03-05:00

I remember reading a quote, and I've seen it attributed to various people, so I don't know who said it. But it goes something like this. We will never see income equality as long as there's so much effort inequality.

That's a broad statement, and I know it doesn't apply to everyone. But it does apply. There are many people that are enjoying free rides off the sweat of another person's brow. Am I rich? Not yet. But I don't believe it's greed to want to keep what you've earned.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-01-21T21:07:32-05:00

Work hard, and your income will equal your potential.
Be grateful for what you have, and be thankful your needs are met due to the sweat of your brow.
Wait for a handout, and it will never be enough.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 22 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-01-22T16:50:29-05:00

This is just another liberal talking point to cause divisions in the population that further their cause.

We do not live in a perfect society and, therefore, there are abuses and unfortunate situations. That's life. No amount of social engineering, distribution of wealth, affirmative action programs, etc. will change human behavior will create the utopia that liberals envision.

The formulas for success is still working hard and doing the best you can do with what you have.

It galls me to see the President of the United States and Oprah Winfrey, for example, decry the very system that got them where they are. They should be shouting from the rooftops about the opportunities that exist in this country that results in people from all walks of life, background, races, and sex to achieve their dreams.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 2:12 AM

2015-01-23T02:12:50-05:00

If income inequality were truly an issue, wouldn’t businesses hire only women, because they could pay them less? It seems to me lower wages across the board would be good for the business’ bottom line.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 7:42 AM

2015-01-23T07:42:25-05:00

I want to create a society where everyone truly has an equal starting point. I don't want redistribution. I don't want outrageous taxes. I do, however, want a society that actually allows the least among us to have an equal chance at increasing his/her station in this country. We don't have that, and a lot of people (certainly not all) think that any attempt to do so is an insidious liberal plot. I can speak only for myself and those friends of mine who share my beliefs, this has more to do with our Christian faith and belief in the intent of our founding documents than it does with any agenda or plot. So, I am for any increased funding for low-income areas. I am for community outreach efforts. I am for free-lunch programs. I am for many assistance programs because I know that most of our poor are the working poor. The vast majority are discontent with where they are, but see very little options vis-a-vis getting out of their place.

Lastly, I don't concern myself with the leeches and bottom feeders. They will exist. They will abuse the system. They are the statistical outliers and not the norm.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 23 at 2015 7:59 AM

2015-01-23T07:59:54-05:00

So Representative Tom McClintock of California allegedly has come out and said the minimum wage is for minorities and people not worth more. I know if it was not for minimum wages were not there people would not prosper for example I know when I was making minimum wage in high school I wanted to make more and it was a catalyst to me and I am sure several other folks.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jan 23 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-01-23T09:59:05-05:00

I do not agree 100% with the two options, I believe the rich deserve to pay more. Yes you made it, but they should pay their fair share, and not be given as many tax breaks. More tax breaks do not create more jobs, sorry to burst your bubble. I agree that the economy should be EO, but I think Government should lean more in the protections of the people and not the corporations. Business live and die, and a new business comes up to replace it, bailing corporations out only places the burden on the people and extends the slow death of a giant.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 8:01 PM

2018-01-01T20:01:31-05:00

One must figure out what to do with his life. I save a lot and sacrifice my present living standards, for a chance of future financial future. Working hard is a must to earn that first pot of gold. The rest is learning investment. I am proud of what I am doing and can care less about EO. I never fight fair. Life is not fair, I create my own niche so that I get ahead. You will never catch up if you feel disadvantaged and discriminated against.