2007-05-20 15:50:52 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I am speaking only about the very basic needs.
2007-05-21 03:13:19 · update #1
If all nations will ultimately be judged on how they treat the most vulnerable members of society (Matthew 25:31-45) the United States does not score well.
We seem to give away so much money in the USA. We give out subsidies of all sorts: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsidies)
We pay for a welfare system that has a great many flaws. We pay for healthcare for some, we pay for shelter for others. None of these programs seem to lift people out of poverty.
It seems to me that if our government were to pay only for the very basic needs of citizens (as a safety net), those who want more would be forced to work to earn a better life.
If we did away with most of the extra programs, we could pay for the basics with ease.
What do you think?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_human_rights
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs
2007-05-23 09:22:06 · update #2
I guess it makes me a democrat to answer that yes, I do think so. Although it is sad to think that some people can not afford these things. All people are created equal and everybody should have the same opportunities as their neighbor. I honestly think that if done properly, a Marxist nation would succeed and prosper. Shame nobody else thinks that way.
2007-05-20 16:00:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure about their entitlement to all these things but as a civilized human I am duty bound to try to provide these basics for others. If the rest of my society is unwilling to do this voluntarily then I guess my government is the best provider. In addition, providing basic food, shelter, care, and education for all results in social benefits over the long term. Does that make me a leftie? I always thought it made me a Christian.
2007-05-20 16:16:44 · answer #2 · answered by ash 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure that it is a right to have all of those things. But I do believe that the government has a duty to do everything in it's power to give those things to its citizens. The problem is what is considered basic. Does that include television, college education, best food, etc. ? And what is the human beings requirement? Every human being has the duty to work to their ability. Every human has the duty to obey the laws. Every human has the duty to help others. If they don't does that negate the government's duty to provide for them?
2007-05-21 00:46:29 · answer #3 · answered by ustoev 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Of course! With the surplus amounts of food that's wasted and cheap building material, there's no reason that people should go hungry or not have a dry place to live. The hard part is finding the resources to get the supplies to where they're needed.
2007-05-20 16:15:26 · answer #4 · answered by charliecizarny 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There are really several factors to consider here. One, you have to decide if those are things that every person by virtue of simply existing is entitled to. Two, if they are -- who is obligated to provide them?
The first question is usually answered from an emotional perspective, and reflects your views on life. The second question is pragmatic and involves political philosophies.
2007-05-20 16:02:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Declaration of Independence, one of the foundationa,documents of the United States, states that we have the "right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness">
It does not say we have the right to happiness, only the right to pursue it.
So, Basically, no, all human beings do not have the rights to the things you listed.
2007-05-20 16:16:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Absolutely not! Survival of the fittest. Try working in health care or education. Maybe you'll see just how worthless people are. They get all these handouts so they don't ever have to do anything to survive. Our society is much to coddling.
2007-05-20 15:54:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Not really. People try to project their own beliefs upon the world, but it exists as it is no matter how people wish it were otherwise. Rights are never automatic.
2007-05-20 15:56:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, they don't have rights to those things.
We're all individuals who should be able to pursue our own dreams. If all those things you mentioned were "rights", then we would all have them, but at the loss of freedom as individuals.
Socialism doesn't work in real life.
2007-05-20 16:42:47 · answer #9 · answered by sister_godzilla 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unfortunately, No.
People may not even have the opportunity for those things and many times people even turn them down (consider how many kids drop out of school, or people who refuse certain types of food because of their religion.. etc..)
2007-05-20 15:58:04 · answer #10 · answered by apluribus 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋