What is greed??

[30ashopper]

Spreading the wealth - people get all bent out of shape thinking that they are going to be giving more than their fair share. come on, most wealthy folks I know would be more than happy to pay a little extra, without a care. these folks are grateful for all they have and willing to give a little more to society - and they always seem to do this out of general good will regardless of the tax structure. the folks I hear grumbling aren't even the ones who will be effected by the extra tax - they just like the sound of their own grumble.

On the flip side, people who take from others through the force of law because they feel the people they take from have too much, that is greed also.

Personally, I attempt to accumulate wealth. (I would like to get to a point in my life where I am not a slave to a day job.) Is that greed, selfishness? Not sure. I suppose there are people on this earth who are less greedy than I, Mother Theresa for example, who did not have selfish pursuits. I'm not Mother Theresa, and have no interest in being her. I do contribute to charity, I have compassion for those less fortunate, and volunteer to help out others. But I also work hard to accumulate more of and protect the wealth I have have.. as the old saying goes, "A fool and his money are soon parted."

 

[30A Skunkape]

Greed is one of those qualities that we never recognize in ourselves and assign only to others (usually because the greedy have something we want!).

 

[Mango]

On the flip side, people who take from others through the force of law because they feel the people they take from have too much, that is greed also.

So, what do you propose? Eliminate taxes altogether and when our Country needs money ask for donations? Whatever you can give? I'd love to see the results of that exercise. Chances are, it would quite similar to the middle class who give more in donations collectively to causes than the top 2% of earners.

 

[elgordoboy]

So, what do you propose? Eliminate taxes altogether and when our Country needs money ask for donations? Whatever you can give? I'd love to see the results of that exercise. Chances are, it would quite similar to the middle class who give more in donations collectively to causes than the top 2% of earners.

I was watching Flags of Our Fathers a couple of months ago and that is what they did. I knew the term "war bonds" but hadn't considered the practical application. During WWII they were trotting those "war heroes" around the country on a fund raiser asking for donations. It seems a great way to fund prosecuting a war and really allow citizenry to put their money (or not) in what they believe in and keep a government from running totally amok.

 

[traderx]

Is Bill Gates greedy? Warren Buffet?

 

[elgordoboy]

"The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed -- for lack of a better word -- is good.
Greed is right.
Greed works.
Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.
Greed, in all of its forms -- greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge -- has marked the upward surge of mankind."
I am sneaky​

 

[Bobskunk]

Relative

It's kind of like driving your car on the interstate. The guy going too slow and holding you up is a moron who is holding you up. The guy who blows by you is just reckless. You are the only guy going the exact right speed.

The guy who has less than you probably is not as smart as you, and did not work as hard, and therefore should not have as much as you. The guy who has more than you probably exploited someone, inherited it, or just got lucky. He does not deserve it. You are the only guy living just about right.

 

[scooterbug44]

Having money (even in massive quantities like Buffet or Gates) doesn't make you greedy - it's the importance you place on that money and your level of selfishness that make you greedy or not greedy.

Not every wealthy person is greedy, just as not every poor person is lazy and living off the government.

 

[Cheering472]

Greed can be a desire to accumulate and hold more of something than you need. We can be greedy with our time, so it's not just things or money.

Since jdarg threw out her Bible verse I'll share mine...Matthew 25:35-40
I'll paraphrase...Jesus tells his followers they will inherit the kingdom. He says when He was hungry they fed Him, when He was thirsty they gave Him drink. He said they visited Him, they took Him in, they clothed Him, they gave to Him. They answered when did we do these things to you Lord? His answer was when they did it for the least among them, they'd done it to Him.

Please take the time to read it, I can't do it justice. We are called to be God's hands on earth. This is why I want our country to help the least among us rather than the very wealthiest corporations. I believe we should do this personally as well, with our own charitable giving or volunteering. When you have much, much is expected. Once again this is just my interpretation and my belief. Luckily we live in America, you can believe what you want. But I have trouble sleeping at night when I know kids are cold and hungry. Should we let this happen in America?

 

[Teresa]

Interesting list. Since this has caused so many problems in our area, I'm curious - where do buyers reneging on pre-construction condominium obligations to purchase fall on your greed list?

probably greed induced in many instances. or just overconfident investors trying to jump on the band wagon, like a feeding frenzy. I've talked to several folks who happen to have the most to lose who are reflecting on those things in life most important to them (family, friends, non-possessions) as they watch their investments go up in smoke. they aren't greedy people after all. they only want what is important in the end.

On the flip side, people who take from others through the force of law because they feel the people they take from have too much, that is greed also.

Personally, I attempt to accumulate wealth. (I would like to get to a point in my life where I am not a slave to a day job.) Is that greed, selfishness? Not sure. I suppose there are people on this earth who are less greedy than I, Mother Theresa for example, who did not have selfish pursuits. I'm not Mother Theresa, and have no interest in being her. I do contribute to charity, I have compassion for those less fortunate, and volunteer to help out others. But I also work hard to accumulate more of and protect the wealth I have have.. as the old saying goes, "A fool and his money are soon parted."

I don't know anything about taking from others through the force of law... that would be wrong. but, if you are talking about taxes - everyone has an obligation to pay them.

Nothing wrong with accumulating wealth. some of the wealthiest people I know are the most generous people I know.