conservatives think people shouldn't feel society owes them anything, but isn't "society" the "people"?

Answer 1

Society is the people as a whole and how they interact and react.

The difference in viewpoint lies in how a conservative views the activity of the individual within the society.

A conservative believes that they are indipendent and free of government intrusion and that the responsibility for their own happiness and well being (financial and otherwise) resides with the individual.

A person that leans more liberal, feels that there is a place in government for the care of and support of individuals within the society that for whatever reason have not or cannot effectively support themselves.

I don't know too many liberal Americans that feel that the government should go overboard with the social programs, but they do believe that there is a place where it would be balanced.

My concern as a conservative is at what point does the government recognize that it cannot and should not move any further forward with socialized entitlement programs?

I can almost tolerate the idea that a few social programs would be good for our society (even though I believe that the entitlement programs hurt the recipient more than it helps them).

But my experience is that the government does not know when to stop and that even a large number of liberal congressment seek to push that line as far as they possibly can, knowing that the more they can inculcate government subsidy into the society, the more power and control they will have as a result.

Seeing this delima, I will generally oppose any government program that smacks of social entitlement. Not because I hate liberals...I don't. But because I honestly feel that the government cannot govern itself and that as more entitlement programs are entered into society that my individual freedom and liberty is threatened.

I have not intended this to pat conservatives on the back or slam liberals. We are all Americans and I don't hate anyone of you.

I would ask you, conservative and liberal to consider these comments and see if there is some truth in them that all of us should be concerned about, both conservative and liberal.

Answer 2

Yes, society is the people. Do you feel that other people owe you something in the way of a hand out? I do not feel that way. That's what conservatives think.

Answer 3

Even if society is the people, we still don't owe them any thing at all.

They can get a job and work for it just like normal people do

Answer 4

Society is the trading of effort by one human for the effort of another human. I trade my effort (e.g. as vegetable grower, thus producing an ear of corn, which I have to offer you) for your effort (e.g. as a vegetable, thus producing a potato, which you offer me) so that we may each have a variety in our diets. If I am not willing to put out my effort to grow an ear of corn then you do not "owe" me a potato. Nonetheless, since we are neighbors, we are a "society". That's just the way it works!

Answer 5

People are individuals. Society is people headed by a government. So, no.

Answer 6

Conservatives think a good society is one in which you are free to pursue your dreams. Not one in which Mama government hands you everything.

Answer 7

People who get up in the morning and try to improve themselves is society. People who sit on their asses are pigs to society.

Answer 8

Your question doesnt make sense.
But no society at large doesnt owe you.

Answer 9

So are you saying I should give away any extra income I earn to someone else that earns less so as to even out wealth distribution? No thank you. Who wants to spend $30,000 and 4years on college, bust their *** at work, just to give it away to another guy that just drops out of highschool and works at McD's! No fricken way! Where's the incentive to work hard then?

Answer 10

Your point is what??? I owe you a living because you're too lazy to work.... Liberals seem to want a whole lot for nothing.. Grow up.