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The American Dream
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The American Dream
While you're waiting, read the free novel we sent you. It's a Spanish story about a guy named 'Manual.' -
Good find.
I liked this bit :-
"In fact, when we did this experiment another way and we showed people two distributions of wealth, one based on the wealth distribution in the US and the other based on the wealth distribution that is more equal than Sweden, 92% of Americans picked the improved Swedish distribution."
Interesting as it must include some of the top 20% who own 84%.
I have another worry besides fairness. If too much money is concentrated in the hands of a few it does not circulate. -
Although the article doesnt clarify it, I'd suggest they and anyone doing this sort of research will get slewed results. Why? Because if only 20% of a population owns upwards of 80% of the wealth, most of the people taking part in the research will be from outside the top 20%.
The original article doesnt give any indication (or one that I can determine) which 'wealth bracket' they fall into. Its very likely that in this example none of the respondents were in the top 20%.I couldn't give two fornicators! Yes, really!Comment
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Originally posted by BolshieBastard View PostAlthough the article doesnt clarify it, I'd suggest they and anyone doing this sort of research will get slewed results. Why? Because if only 20% of a population owns upwards of 80% of the wealth, most of the people taking part in the research will be from outside the top 20%.
The original article doesnt give any indication (or one that I can determine) which 'wealth bracket' they fall into. Its very likely that in this example none of the respondents were in the top 20%.Hard Brexit now!
#prayfornodealComment
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Originally posted by BrilloPad View PostGood find.
I liked this bit :-
"In fact, when we did this experiment another way and we showed people two distributions of wealth, one based on the wealth distribution in the US and the other based on the wealth distribution that is more equal than Sweden, 92% of Americans picked the improved Swedish distribution."
Interesting as it must include some of the top 20% who own 84%.
Wealthy people might like the current highly skewed distribution as long as they can stay in the wealthy bit, but if they didn't get to choose which part of the wealth distribution they were going to be in, they'd choose a much "fairer" one.Job motivation: how the powerful steal from the stupid.Comment
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So people don't think a professors of Economics from Harvard and Duke know how to conduct a unbiased (as possible) survey?
People seem to doubt the outcome. Did everyone miss that the question asked was what people would choose if they did not know (had no control over) if they were going to end up in the rich or poor group?
Of course you're going to choose the most redistributionist scenario, if you really take into account the premise of the question.Last edited by IR35 Avoider; 21 August 2012, 09:59.Comment
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Equal opportunity is all that matters.
Beyond that the free market should determine equality. It tends to make everyone richer to different degrees. Instead of making everyone equally poor.Comment
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But the Swedish model means as a middle earner you get taxed until your balls squeak, so to speak. Now people might in principle want a more even distribution but are you going to vote for a government who are going to "make your balls squeak".
no ...hence it won't happen.I'm alright JackComment
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Originally posted by Robinho View PostEqual opportunity is all that matters.
Beyond that the free market should determine equality. It tends to make everyone richer to different degrees. Instead of making everyone equally poor.
Sadly it isn't true.
The most free market economies in the Western world, the US and UK are mired in debt and falling living standards for the forseeable future. Youth unemployment is huge and the next generation will almost certainly be much poorer than than their elders.
It is unfortunate when facts get in the way of ideology but I tend to trust facts.
HTH.Hard Brexit now!
#prayfornodealComment
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Originally posted by sasguru View PostYou're beginning to sound as much of an ideologue as Dodgy.
Sadly it isn't true.
The most free market economies in the Western world, the US and UK are mired in debt and falling living standards for the forseeable future. Youth unemployment is huge and the next generation will almost certainly be much poorer than than their elders.
It is unfortunate when facts get in the way of ideology but I tend to trust facts.
HTH.
In spite of this the US is the richest country in the world (ignoring all the microstates and oil barons) and has been at times in its recent past without a government created deficit problems. So that kind of pisses on your point anyway.Comment
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