Should we use more tax money to fund the Bright or support the needy?

Question

Where should more money go?
To help the leading edge of society's best and brightest maximise their (and society's) potential for brilliance or to support the needy and borderline cases of society?

Answer 1

Great Q, and without reading any others I'm sure you'll get opposing views.

Needy doesn't strictly define "bright" however.

One persons view might be that to support intelligence, and forward thinking, might actually aid the global society, while support of the needy might drain it?

Anothers view might be to offer opportunity to the needy of the world, generally improves our global society, and economy.

It really is an unanswerable question, and as narrow in focus to those involved in either segment.

Remember I said NEEDY doesn't strictly exlude BRIGHT? By the same token, BRIGHT doesn't strictly relate to generosity, charity, contributions in general to creating a better world,,, on a global level.

I happen to be very Bright, and often Needy,,, But to mention something I haven't yet,,, I despise taxation, and certainly the premise,originally was, as one answer states, to support an infrastructure, not strictly a society living in that framework.

I suppose without taxation, even the BRIGHT,,, would be NEEDY,,, and perhaps even more GREEDY??? and the NEEDY
would,,,if the thought can be presented here,,,"Inherit the Earth."

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Neither.

Using tax money to support research creates research (and researchers) that are overvalued. The most important research is the one that benefits the most people (which is also the biggest money maker!) Government funding disrupts this balance, leading to excessive spending on less important topics, or on failed ideas instead of new ideas.

Similarly, using tax money to help the 'needy' removes the value of charity, as well as the denying the needy a chance to repair their own lives. Today's government welfare programs have robbed a second generation (and soon a third generation) of the ability to learn the proper skills and behaviors to create their own wealth in this country.

Answer 3

I say we should be charitable within limits to more than one cause. Some monies should go to both perhaps. If that sounds too politically correct then I must say, I do tend to lean more to the needy and "borerline cases of society" as you call them. Being needy doesn't make useless nor stupid. Needy folks can be bright too. Besides, if folks are so very bright, they can figure out a way to make money. There are scholarships galore for those who are gifted.

Answer 4

Niether. Tax money is to support an infostructure. Your parents should support you or they should not have had you. Get a job.