I don't think that point holds much water, as the mega rich person in question is only able to become mega-rich off the back of the workers (who are educated by the state & use NHS beds), paying taxes for the NHS/education system doesn't really have any connection if the person needs it or not - it's a systemic cost, part of the cost of keeping a healthy educated population able to garner the wealth required which in turn drives the demand for the goods & services the mega-rich person is selling.
I'll use an example.
CEO A in corporation X pollutes the environment (air pollution/sea pollution) which is likely to have disastrous long term consequences for the population to maximise profit.
Wealth left to his children will pretty much protect them from the fallout of said choices.
Or another example,
Politician B, removes social welfare knowing that due to his wealth - his children will never have to rely on the welfare state as he's able to protect them from any accidents/poor life choices which would normally result in the average person ending up in the dole line or relying on disability for sustenance.
Wealth enables people to protect future generations from the impact of changes which effect the general population - as the people in positions of power are also wealthy - we have a social conflict of interests.
Have you read any of the studies with strongly indicate the gap itself is a metric which has a impact on society?.Yes you can. How do you think the minimum wage is established - by looking at the top 1% and working on a relative basis from there? :/
I think you're missing the real issue, which is that the gap only interests those with a particular agenda. Like people who gobble up this garbage on the Guardian.
Are you saying that not a single CEO in the world is currently engaging in business which results in the destruction of the environment? - really?.The first example is absolute, complete and utter garbage and you know it is.
You misunderstand the point.The second example isn't great but I can see what you're driving at and it better illustrates your point.
I've been reading your posts in this thread and wonder why you seem to have such an obsession with social sponges.
Have you read any of the studies with strongly indicate the gap itself is a metric which has a impact on society?.
Have you read any of the studies with strongly indicate the gap itself is a metric which has a impact on society?.
One example, based on a meta-analysis - http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_wilkinson.html
A huge variety of supporting studies aid in understanding the causation, for example the increase in many of the violence related statistics have been associated with negative self-esteem related judgement in society based on the different socio-economic classes (resulting in negative behaviour).I thought the studies showed a correlation, but only if you removed certain countries to make it slightly more friendly to the statistics?
I've dropped a request to the authors for the data (they offer it upon request), I'll upload it then drop you a link.E: Redacted for a less bileful response.
I can't say that I have, is there freely available data or a paper to have a look at? Can't really watch the video atm...
I've dropped a request to the authors for the data (they offer it upon request), I'll upload it then drop you a link.
A social leech is somebody who contributes nothing to society, you could classify many people into this group - but the key difference being the amount of total resources/labour the individual consumes in each opposing group.
Those who reap huge benefits of modern society without activity contributing anything (without having the justification of being willing but unable, such as those out of work or disabled) simply by being born in a certain family or dynasty.
I like the way with these discussion people always assume that the only real contribution you can make to society is financial. However, when we look back at history and we remember those whose presence has left ripples that touch us even today their contribution it rarely in terms of wealth but the more intangible things like leadership, music, literature, painting, wisdom, beauty, ...
No problem with wealth as long as it's used rationally and sensibly.
that's the problem, the people who use it recklessly and stupidly are upset they don't have any left and want some of the sensible peoples wealth.
Disgusting and wrong is what it is, im not sure why we allow it, there comes a point where it's pure greed, most systems have thier issues and can be taken to extremes if left without checks and balances, we should now cap the wealth of the top and give it back to the other half, 5 to 10 million is plenty for the vast majority, businesses should only be allowed to make a fair profit, supply and demand gone, things should be calculated based on real world value, materials and labour plus a small profit.
This thread is about wealth distribution so it is hardly surprising to be fair.