Wealth Inequality in America

[KeepOnRollin]

Infographics on the distribution of wealth in America, highlighting both the inequality and the difference between our perception of inequality and the actual numbers. The reality is often not what we think it is.

[video=youtube;QPKKQnijnsM]

 

[magnifier661]

LOL! So how will America distribute the wealth without taking away our civil rights?

And who gives a fuck how hard someone works to generate their worth?!?! Fucking socialists!

 

[maxiep]

Why does equal distribution of wealth matter?

 

[bluefrog]

Why does equal distribution of wealth matter?

Is there a point where unequal wealth distribution is detrimental to the economy?

 

[magnifier661]

Is there a point where unequal wealth distribution is detrimental to the economy?

I still am so confused on how the United States will determine how to distribute this wealth without breaking our bill of rights.

 

[maxiep]

Is there a point where unequal wealth distribution is detrimental to the economy?

I'll play. To answer your question, "no". Distribution doesn't matter, level of wealth does. Most people living in the US in "poverty" would be considered "middle class" in the vast majority of countries.

 

[HailBlazers]

Infographics on the distribution of wealth in America, highlighting both the inequality and the difference between our perception of inequality and the actual numbers. The reality is often not what we think it is.

[video=youtube;QPKKQnijnsM]

Okay now if only they would do one of Wealth Inequality of America vs. The World

Not one American has the right to complain about not having opportunity in this country, the greatest on earth

 

[magnifier661]

Okay now if only they would do one of Wealth Inequality of America vs. The World

Not one American has the right to complain about not having opportunity in this country, the greatest on earth

That's the thing. So many Americans somehow believe that our country is the only country that has this insanely lopsided difference. In England, the difference is astounding in comparison.

 

[maxiep]

Okay now if only they would do one of Wealth Inequality of America vs. The World

Not one American has the right to complain about not having opportunity in this country, the greatest on earth

Repped.

 

[HailBlazers]

That's the thing. So many Americans somehow believe that our country is the only country that has this insanely lopsided difference. In England, the difference is astounding in comparison.

Right, pretty much every country is the same in that aspect indeed. Most much much worse when you consider the resources we have as Americans.

 

[bluefrog]

I'll play. To answer your question, "no". Distribution doesn't matter, level of wealth does. Most people living in the US in "poverty" would be considered "middle class" in the vast majority of countries.

My answer to you question is, equal distribution doesn't matter. Redistribution of wealth is merely treating a symptom, not the cause.

To your point, if 1 person controlled 99.999% of the wealth, that would not matter? Why does wealth relative to the rest of the world matter?

 

[3RA1N1AC]

the greatest on earth

At what? America is pretty middling these days

And I thought we were like 11th in upward mobility (the American dream)

 

[magnifier661]

My answer to you question is, equal distribution doesn't matter. Redistribution of wealth is merely treating a symptom, not the cause.

To your point, if 1 person controlled 99.999% of the wealth, that would not matter? Why does wealth relative to the rest of the world matter?

And think about the welfare issues right now. Imagine the uproar when people refuse to work because they are getting money regardless. Our country would be in shambles.

 

[bluefrog]

Okay now if only they would do one of Wealth Inequality of America vs. The World

Income Inequality by Country

I couldn't find one on wealth...

 

[HailBlazers]

At what? America is pretty middling these days

And I thought we were like 11th in upward mobility (the American dream)

Have you traveled lately? Sure some places are nicer to visit, by the opportunity to make it here is like no other.

 

[maxiep]

My answer to you question is, equal distribution doesn't matter. Redistribution of wealth is merely treating a symptom, not the cause.

To your point, if 1 person controlled 99.999% of the wealth, that would not matter? Why does wealth relative to the rest of the world matter?

What matters is can the rest of the 99.999% meet their basic needs? Through their own efforts, are they able to improve their lot in life? If they can, and that one person earned his or her wealth honestly, then I have no problem with it.

 

[bluefrog]

And think about the welfare issues right now. Imagine the uproar when people refuse to work because they are getting money regardless. Our country would be in shambles.

Redistribution of wealth is merely treating a symptom, not the cause.

 

[blazerboy30]

My answer to you question is, equal distribution doesn't matter. Redistribution of wealth is merely treating a symptom, not the cause.

To your point, if 1 person controlled 99.999% of the wealth, that would not matter? Why does wealth relative to the rest of the world matter?

What is wealth needed for? I'd say it is necessary for people to be able to obtain at least the basic necessities needed for survival. If one person controlled almost all of the wealth, but everybody else had plenty to eat, shelter, water and protection of their rights, then it doesn't matter how much wealth somebody else has.

 

[bluefrog]

What matters is can the rest of the 99.999% meet their basic needs? Through their own efforts, are they able to improve their lot in life? If they can, and that one person earned his or her wealth honestly, then I have no problem with it.

I don't think a person can honestly obtain 99.999% of the wealth in this country. There is not a level playing field. Crony capitalism has been detrimental to our market based system. Too often, profits are privitized while losses are socialized, especially in banking.

 

[maxiep]

I don't think a person can honestly obtain 99.999% of the wealth in this country. There is not a level playing field. Crony capitalism has been detrimental to our market based system. Too often, profits are privitized while losses are socialized, especially in banking.

Okay, so now you're taking your hypothetical and applying a limiting condition post-response. Great. Thanks.

And if you have a problem with crony capitalism, then you're an idiot if you voted for Obama in the past two elections. The Democratic Party is now the party of Big: Big Government, Big Business and Big Union. They work together to limit competition and to constrain freedom.

 

[maxiep]

I'll put it another way: As long as you didn't steal it, it's none of my business what someone else makes. And if you don't make enough to cover your basic needs and made an honest attempt to obtain that amount, then I'm happy to help.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

I don't think the solution (if some feel there is a problem at all) is redistrubtion of wealth at all. I do think we need to "look" at ways that those who are less fortunate can become more wealthy. How that is done without government interaction? No idea but I don't want them involved.

 

[magnifier661]

Well you liberals, its fine time to do your part in PDX! I've seen many homeless in your area. Most of you probably live a pretty comfortable life. I pledge you go into Portland and give 10% of your extra cash to the homeless in your area. Do your part on making an example for America!

Paid for by the Liberals for a "New World Order"

 

[maxiep]

I don't think the solution (if some feel there is a problem at all) is redistrubtion of wealth at all. I do think we need to "look" at ways that those who are less fortunate can become more wealthy. How that is done without government interaction? No idea but I don't want them involved.

The simple answer is freedom. Freedom from high taxes and regulation so more jobs and wealth can be created. Freedom from teacher's unions that put the needs of the educators ahead of the students.

We have followed Kruschev's plan to a "T". He once said, ""We can't expect the American People to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have Communism."

We have the framework for freedom: Our own Constitution. It's time we started following it.

 

[magnifier661]

The simple answer is freedom. Freedom from high taxes and regulation so more jobs and wealth can be created. Freedom from teacher's unions that put the needs of the educators ahead of the students.

We have followed Kruschev's plan to a "T". He once said, ""We can't expect the American People to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have Communism."

We have the framework for freedom: Our own Constitution. It's time we started following it.

read read!

 

[HailBlazers]

I do think we need to "look" at ways that those who are less fortunate can become more wealthy. How that is done without government interaction? No idea but I don't want them involved.

Free enterprise, we need to take the power back from the corporations by starting are own businesses and networking within our communities. The toughest part is educating people on how to do that and breaking them out of the poverty mindset. With the way we are so connected today you don't even need a high school diploma to start a business, just the drive and determination.

 

[DaLincolnJones]

I don't think the solution (if some feel there is a problem at all) is redistrubtion of wealth at all. I do think we need to "look" at ways that those who are less fortunate can become more wealthy. How that is done without government interaction? No idea but I don't want them involved.

its a joke

give everyone threehappy meals and a box of crayons and in a matter of weeks, someone will owe ten happy meals a day, someone will recieve a few hundred, and someone will create a beautifull picture..

 

[bluefrog]

What matters is can the rest of the 99.999% meet their basic needs? Through their own efforts, are they able to improve their lot in life? If they can, and that one person earned his or her wealth honestly, then I have no problem with it.

Okay, so now you're taking your hypothetical and applying a limiting condition post-response. Great. Thanks.

And if you have a problem with crony capitalism, then you're an idiot if you voted for Obama in the past two elections. The Democratic Party is now the party of Big: Big Government, Big Business and Big Union. They work together to limit competition and to constrain freedom.

You were the one who added the stipulation that person should have "earned his or her wealth honestly".

Didn't vote for Obama, FYI. Both parties are the party of Big.

 

[maxiep]

You were the one who added the stipulation that person should have "earned his or her wealth honestly".

Didn't vote for Obama, FYI. Both parties are the party of Big.

Yep, it was a qualifier. Just like you have to assume a rational consumer who maximizes his utility when making economic models, so must you assume that the wealth wasn't gained Dr. Evil style by holding the UN hostage with a nuke. For you to then to add that according to your hypothetical that the one person MUST have stolen that wealth (therefore holding it illegitimately) means that level of wealth distribution was by definition wrong. It was a pathetic attempt at creating a tautology.

 

[bluefrog]

What matters is can the rest of the 99.999% meet their basic needs? Through their own efforts, are they able to improve their lot in life? If they can, and that one person earned his or her wealth honestly, then I have no problem with it.

I'm sorry for creating a tautology