> Eugene.Leitl wrote:
>
> >[ wealth redistribution trend not observable ]
>
>
> On the contrary, redistribution of wealth began in the early 1900s with the
Aw come on, I am talking about the period from 1980's to end 1990's. In
this period, I've seen the Scandinavian model going down the drain. Quite
recently, Krautland has started reducing welfare state quite noticeably.
Afaik, U.S. has not started such a (redistribution) programme, au
contraire. The numbers & growth trend of the unhomed are not exactly
exalting, imo.
> introduction of income tax, and increased successively with the
> establishment of social security, welfare, and medicare. But I don't
> recall equidistribution as one of the extropian principles...
Well, I am not an extropian. I've been labeled as such by others, though.
I said about an equidistribution _trend_, I never proposed actual
equidistribution for target. That would be communism, and I've seen what
even socialism can do, having lived in the heart of Commieland for 14
years.
Providing basic bread (+butter) & games (brown ware) for the masses
would keep them from raising an insurrection "against those rich above".
I don't know how you see it, but I doubt a civil war can be fun.
> >> [ snip ]
> >
> >I don't like the signs of this adaptation. I don't find the idea of
> >living in a fortress & carrying a weapon around too hot, thanks.
>
> I don't either, but that's life under Socialism. <g>
Guns were outlawed there. Nevertheless look at all the NRA activities,
neighbourhood watches & whatever. At the very least we don't get shot by
mistake in Krautland at license controls if you take your hands off the
steering wheel & most European cities are arguably safe, imo. I am not sure
that guns are a Good Thing, anymore (yeah, I've read Vinge & liked him).
'gene
> Ira Brodsky
> Datacomm Research Company
> Wilmette, Illinois
>