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Originally Posted by femmefatale  You do make some interesting points. It's true that charity shouldn't be an alternative to properly funded public services. It's also true that people can indulge in public acts of (false) charity for their own reward and recognition. I still think charity is important though. It's an expression of love and concern for others and often helps to raise awareness and sometimes shame government (and inter-governmental) bodies into doing more. |
yes. I understand that charity has that function of showing social solidarity. But when I talk with my European freinds, they feel that way about higher taxes. For my German friend, they felt that way about the integration of East and West Germany. Secondly she had no sense of resentment about German tax payers contrbuting the lions share towards the E.U. They understand the nature of the social contract that taxes entail. It was something I came to understand myself during my cancer. In college I received the maintenance grant. I think at the time (2000-2004) it was 1900 euros a year. I can vouch that they had that back in one year when I began work. Then I paid tax at the higher rate since 2006. For the year I have being in chemo and radiotherapy, my employer continued to pay 60% of my wage (paid 100% for the first 6 months) and then the govt stood in after the six months and paid me the difference (roughly the 40%)
I for one think we have a strange attitude to tax in this country. If I paid my way for 3 years (not including working through college and summer work) I dont feel any guilt on receiving welfare. Secondly I find it strange that some people resent anyone who has worked and paid taxes and now is in receipt of social welfare. They have earned that right- and they should be treated as a customer (whom has paid taxes/insurance), not as a charity case. When some people mention welfare recipients, it is with the tone of resenting the person rather then the misfortune (unemployment or illness)
Why instead dont we feel that sense of love you mention, that occurs with charity, as being the same with paying tax. Its a sign of social solidarity, and gives you the entitlement to use services when you need them. That is why tax avoidance schemes bug me so much. How does charity avodiance scheme sound. Or avoiding social responsibility. Just an alternative viewpoint....