welfare state /income disparity

August 12, 2005
By

Income Disparity and the Welfare state

Just a thought, but I would assume that given the presence of the current welfare state, those who benefit from it are the same who would live in (near) abject poverty without the welfare state. Clearly, the motivation to be sucessful and able to provide for oneself (and one’s family) is not high on the list of things to do for these people. Many of the beneficiaries of the welfare state are able to provide for themselves as well as the welfare state can, but the opportunity cost means sacrificing the ability to do absolutely nothing.

Let me ask you this: If you are content to live in abject poverty, would you rather A) provide abject poverty through your own toil and labour, or B) leech your poverty from those who are motivated by their own self-interests?

Or more succinctly: Given the option of doing nothing and doing something, provided that the end result is the same, which would you rather do: nothing, or something?

2 Responses to welfare state /income disparity

  1. fatima76rafael on August 19, 2005 at 4:42 pm

    =’Brand New News From The Timber Industry!!’=

    ========Latest Profile==========
    Energy & Asset Technology, Inc. (EGTY)
    Current Price $0.15
    ================================

    Recognize this undiscovered gem which is poised to jump!!

    Please read the following Announcement in its Entierty and
    Consider the Possibilities
    Watch this One to Trade!

    Because, EGTY has secured the global rights to market
    genetically enhanced fast growing, hard-wood trees!

    EGTY trading volume is beginning to surge with landslide Announcement.
    The value of this Stock appears poised for growth! This one will not
    remain on the ground floor for long.

    Keep Reading!!!!

    ===============
    “BREAKING NEWS”
    ===============

    -Energy and Asset Technology, Inc. (EGTY) owns a global license to market
    the genetically enhanced Global Cedar growth trees, with plans to
    REVOLUTIONIZE the forest-timber industry.

    These newly enhanced Global Cedar trees require only 9-12 years of growth before they can
    be harvested for lumber, whereas worldwide growth time for lumber is 30-50 years.

    Other than growing at an astonishing rate, the Global Cedar has a number of other benefits.
    Its natural elements make it resistant to termites, and the lack of oils and sap found in the wood
    make it resistant to forest fire, ensuring higher returns on investments.

    the wood is very lightweight and strong, lighter than Poplar and over twice
    as strong as Balsa, which makes it great for construction. It also has
    the unique ability to regrow itself from the stump, minimizing the land and
    time to replant and develop new root systems.

    Based on current resources and agreements, EGTY projects revenues of $140 Million
    with an approximate profit margin of 40% for each 9-year cycle. With anticipated
    growth, EGTY is expected to challenge Deltic Timber Corp. during its initial 9-year cycle.

    Deltic Timber Corp. currently trades at over $38.00 a share with about $153 Million in revenues.
    As the reputation and demand for the Global Cedar tree continues to grow around the world
    EGTY believes additional multi-million dollar agreements will be forthcoming. The Global Cedar nursery has produced
    about 100,000 infant plants and is developing a production growth target of 250,000 infant plants per month.

    Energy and Asset Technology is currently in negotiations with land and business owners in New Zealand,
    Greece and Malaysia regarding the purchase of their popular and profitable fast growing infant tree plants.
    Inquiries from the governments of Brazil and Ecuador are also being evaluated.

    Conclusion:

    The examples above show the Awesome, Earning Potential of little
    known Companies That Explode onto Investor�s Radar Screens.
    This stock will not be a Secret for long. Then You May Feel the Desire to Act Right
    Now! And Please Watch This One Trade!!

    GO EGTY!

    All statements made are our express opinion only and should be treated as such.
    We may own, take position and sell any securities mentioned at any time. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect
    to predictions, goals, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are
    not statements of historical fact and may be “forward, looking
    statements.” forward, looking statements are based on expectations, estimates
    and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results
    or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. This newsletter was paid $3,000 from third party (IR Marketing).
    Forward,|ooking statements in this action may be identified through the use of words such as: “projects”, “foresee”, “expects”. in compliance with Se’ction 17. {b), we disclose the holding of EGTY shares prior to the publication of this report. Be aware of an inherent conflict of interest resulting from such holdings due to our intent to profit from the liquidation of these shares. Shares may be sold at any time, even after positive statements have been made regarding the above company. Since we own shares, there is an inherent conflict of interest in our statements and opinions. Readers of this publication are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward,looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and expectations involving various risks and uncertainties that could cause results to
    differ materially from those set forth in the forward- looking statements. This is not solicitation to buy or sell stocks, this text is
    or informational purpose only and you should seek professional advice from registered financial advisor before you do anything related with buying or selling stocks, penny stocks are very high risk and you can lose your entire investment.

  2. z on August 22, 2005 at 10:35 pm

    An interesting point.
    On the surface I would say…”do nothing. Why bother? The results will be the same anyway.”
    Then I think back to the recent past where I was unemployed and not looking for a job. Rather, I
    was looking for something VERY specific, and in no hurry.
    I admit, I didn’t have to worry about finances much, so that relieved the burden of survival.
    What I discovered was that I was always busy. Constantly writing. Music, blog posts, e-mails, etc.
    Work, neglected around the house for the last 10, was suddenly getting done.
    I was studying Calculus and the Cosmos.
    It was pretty amazing what could be accomplished with free time.
    I know I’m simplifying things, but overall my health improved, my stress levels dropped, I was happier,
    healthier and more sane than I’d been for years.
    And I was constantly busy.
    I never got bored and I never died (as some retirees reportedly do when they stop “working”).
    Now I have a job again. The money is rolling in steadily. Overall, I enjoy the work.
    I’m constantly busy.
    I work 9 to 11 hours a day, with at least an hour and a half commute (round trip).
    My health is slowly deteriorating. I just had to have a procedure done at the hospital.
    I’ve been living in air conditioning that is killing me it’s so cold. (In spite of 5 heat waves or maybe because of it).
    Mentally, I’m exhausted. It seems like everything that no one else wanted to deal with is dumped into my lap.
    I really do like the job though. It’s fast paced and exciting most of the time.
    Oh, and my yard looks like shit.
    I feel like I have no time to pursue the things I find important.
    I’ve got to sleep sometime.

    Comparing the two, I wonder which is better?
    In the first scenario I was in charge of my own affairs and making no money.
    In the second, I’m back on the corporate slave treadmill working for someone else’s profit, but being
    compensated for my efforts.

    Each case has it’s pros and cons.
    In the end, I think I would have rather chosen povery to profit. It was much more invigorating and
    stimulating on a personal level.

    Of course, this just applies to my circumstance.
    Had I been the type person to sit and watch TV all day, while munching on Fritos or something, my
    attitude would probably be different.
    “Why work when I can lay around and do nothing all day and get the same results?” I might think.
    Then again, I have to question the quality of that thinking.
    Anyone that could be content to spend their lives doing nothing all day
    probably doesn’t invest a great deal of time thinking in the first place.