Economics #2

This past week in class we watched a video that asked students of high GPA's if they would be willing to redistribute some of there points so that others who did not have as high GPA's could boost there scores. From what we saw, everyone who was asked this said two things. First they said no, and secondly when asked why not, they said, "I worked hard for my GPA". Then they were asked how does this differ from government redistributing of wealth. Most of them shot back with "well, thats different". Or is it?
When it comes to the wealthy, often people assume that they cheated or stole their way to achieve wealth, and of course, Hollywood has not really helped out with differing this claim. While this might be true for a small percentage, it is no more a viable arguement then saying that a poor person is poor because they spent all their money on booze, aside from maybe a small percentage.
So then, what should be said of people who do nothing and yet gain just as much as the guy next to them?
Aesops fable of the ant and the grasshopper is a perfect example... the ant knew winter was coming so he saved up for it, while the grasshopper enjoyed summer and even mocked the ant and did nothing. Then when winter came, the grasshopper begged the ant for food and shelter, but the ant wouldn't give it to him because he had not worked for it.
So why would someone who makes above the average take a pay cut because someone else needs the money? Well we wish that man would be willing to help his neighbor and do that... but that also means that his neighbor must be willing to pull his weight as well.

economics #1

When Michael Moore spoke, on of the big things he touched on was that all great religions support Socialism saying that even Jesus supported Socialism. This has for some time been a point of many socialists, claiming that God provides for all people that equality in what they own should be something we strive for. But there are a few flaws with this statement.
First off, Michael Moore is lumping all religions into one group, which cannot be done. With all the differences we have seen and the fact that there are so many religions is a testament to the fact that you cannot group apples and peanut butter sandwiches. Now of course his worldview would say differently which is why he makes this claim.
As for Jesus supporting Socialism, if we look at some of Jesus' key points, it will give us an accurate view. When Jesus was asked how he felt about taxes, he said "Give to Casaer what is Casaer's..." Jesus was not against taxes. He knew that government must exist, and yet despite being the all powerful God, did not dispute paying taxes to government.
Jesus also spoke in parables where he talked about each one of us recieving gifts and abilities, and that we should use them, otherwise they would be taken away. God does not want us to be lazy but know that everything is fine because I am going to recieve just as much as the next guy. He wants us to work hard and yet not be consumed by work and material possesions.

Global World Government

As Christians, we recognize the fact that a world government comes at the end of days. It states in Revelation that the Tribulation is initiated with the rebuilding of the temple and an institution of a global government. We have seen this in play over the last 40-50 years with the United Nation but it has not gone to the extreme as explained by scripture. However, with the rising economic shortfalls of many countries as well as rebellious up rises against nations leaders, the looming possibility of a united government of the world is not as far off as it may seem. There are several ramification to a global government. One, with any government, you have to give someone power, otherwise its anarchy. Now with the president of the United States, it is limited but he still has quite a bit of power, and we have seen presidents in the past exercise that power. Now that works for a nation, but can you imagine giving that similar power to a global leader? You end up with a ruler who thinks they can take it to the next level and end up becoming a world dictator which is later overthrown by a bloody uprising. OK, so maybe the power rests with a group, like an oligarchy or hegemony. Well as we have seen within our own government, a group often, when given power, cannot agree upon how to use it. So now you either have the choice of a world dictator or a group that cannot agree on anything. The human nature often seeks perfection which is what the strive would be for in a global world government. But the other big problem if ONE government is achieved, when does the train stop. Do we then move on to one education system, one currency, or even one religion? By moving to uniting the world, you move closer to forcing people on something. The reason we have so many different countries, cultures, religions and backgrounds is because people are so diverse. People are like snowflakes, no two people are alike. The funny part is that people who often stress tolerance and accepting differences are people who press for a one global world government.