That was kinda my earlier point when I said a redistribution isn't providing an actual check on this effect. You're creating the illusion of one. It's like if you go to a doctor with pain and he gives you pain medication. Sure, it's making a difference to the pain, but it's not actually solving the issue. It's only allowing you to live with it.
I'll agree that it's better than nothing. But, if we leave it at that, then it's still a non-answer to the problem. We're essentially numbing ourselves. To continue with the analogy, our body (i.e. system) is overextended and the piece left holding the burden is eventually going to give out as this posture is unsustainable. When it does, that's when the whole system goes into shock and collapses. Could be a stroke, broken leg, heart attack, whatever. What exactly is the equivalent of each of those occurrences, I don't know, but Detroit is one of those.
And, this is not an argument to stop providing relief. The point is that providing aid isn't improving the situation. It's only allowing us to live with it. It's not bad to provide aid, but it's not a solution to the problem of poverty either.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2013-08-15 08:14 pm (UTC)I'll agree that it's better than nothing. But, if we leave it at that, then it's still a non-answer to the problem. We're essentially numbing ourselves. To continue with the analogy, our body (i.e. system) is overextended and the piece left holding the burden is eventually going to give out as this posture is unsustainable. When it does, that's when the whole system goes into shock and collapses. Could be a stroke, broken leg, heart attack, whatever. What exactly is the equivalent of each of those occurrences, I don't know, but Detroit is one of those.
And, this is not an argument to stop providing relief. The point is that providing aid isn't improving the situation. It's only allowing us to live with it. It's not bad to provide aid, but it's not a solution to the problem of poverty either.