Posted by Joe Baker on May 07, 2003 at 07:52:32:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Our business posted by Bill on May 06, 2003 at 16:48:06:
Bill, you and I see the problems very much the same way. I also feel that we are too busy running around, and don't take enough time for our families and friends. My family has made a conscious choice to lessen our outside activities, and we have friends who say they envy us -- but they continue to sign each of their three kids up for two activities a day, seven days a week, leaving no time to sit and look at the clouds, teach the kids to garden, go fishing or camping, or otherwise spend time with them, exploring God's creation. It's a damn shame.
I think you are also onto something else I've been thinking about. You said, "Pure capitalism doesn't work for the same reason pure socialism doesn't work, human nature." You are so right! Didn't Orwell say, "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely"? I think whatever system you have, many of the people at the top will take advantage of their positions. The reason I choose capitalism is that it leverages human nature (we all work hard because we want MORE) rather than deny it. But that is not to say that problems don't exist. I think, in addition to the loss of free time, we have also lost our way morally as we have become more secular. Generosity and fair play have been two of the big losers.
Since I'm on the record as opposing government funding of the arts, I guess I should mention that I have no beef with the military bands. They do not exist to entertain the population (although they often do). They perform, off the top of my head, three main functions: 1) they entertain the troops, providing comfort for soldiers; 2) they perform ceremonial functions (Sean, whatever you think of your sousaphone, let me tell you that you bring great comfort to those who have lost loved ones, and stir patriotism in the listeners); and 3) they aid in recruitment. In other words, they serve the military, and by extension our common national interests, not the tastes of a particular group of citizens.
But (however lofty it is) art for art's sake ... sorry, I just can't agree to taxpayer support.
Joe Baker, who wants his generosity to be voluntary and guided by his own values.