Put aside political, religious, and social preferences. Put on a "common sense" hat, and look at some basics. What happened during the industrial revolution in terms of jobs? Well, a number of people lost them to machines that did not require salaries or benefits and eliminated increased pay for overtime, bonuses and pay raises! What are some results of modern technology today?
1) Computers can crunch out research and reports previously done by the human factor at a much faster pace, thus eliminating the need for the amount of personnel previously required for projects. Needing less people reduces the amount of space, furnishings and office supplies required to run an operation. Reduction of employment means less income and commercial real estate tax collected; an increase of people who are unable to pay residential real estate taxes, mortgages, debt balances, and consumer goods and services; an increase in the need for social services; and a decrease in the amount of social services available.
2) Consumers can now purchase many items and services via telephone and computer instead of shopping in person. If fewer consumers are in stores, there is less need for cashiers and in-stock items. Many stores now also have self check-out lanes, further reducing the need for personnel. Making purchases via telephone or on-line often times eliminates a sales tax charge which results in less revenue for the State from which the product is sent.
3) Thanks to Internet, much of what mankind used to obtain "on paper" can now be obtained using no paper. What a time saver, not to mention how many trees are saved every year as the need for paper lessens. Say "hello" to dwindling card shops, reduced amounts of newspaper and magazine printings, and a drastic drop in mailed items. The need for shop employees drops as does the need for loggers and paper product processors, distributors, and retail stores. The postal service loses a significant amount of income and has to adjust itself accordingly.
In the social ethics arena, a deterioration of standards and morals has greatly impacted both our society and our economy. It is easy to point a finger at the wealthy members of society (however that may be defined) and suggest or even demand they pay more taxes to help provide more benefits for everyone else -- even if some of those benefits are of poor quality or even useless. Mankind has a seemingly infinite ability to find ways to expend as little energy as possible and to satisfy greed rather than taking the high road and doing what is ethically and morally right. What are and what could be the end results?
1) I liken taking from the rich to soothe the woes of others to the welfare system we not too long ago revamped. History shows time and again that when given a hand-out, people end up taking it for granted versus using it as a hand-up. This breeds apathy, lowered self esteem, and increased use of self-medicating options which leads to a greater need for social services, increased crime, and diminished self-reliance.
2) Increased tapping into more affluent incomes reduces the voluntary desire to "give back" to society and encourages investments and production outside our borders. Many organizations, projects, and qualities of life would suffer if affluent people/businesses stopped making the investments, contributions and donations they currently provide. Many homeowners and small businesses have been assisted with loans from individuals/entities willing and able to take a risk in lending the needed funds. Everywhere we look we see the results of something existing thanks to the generosity of those who are in a position to share their good fortunes -- parks, the "arts," school equipment, medical facilities and research programs, grants, scholarships, non-profit organizations, new businesses, and so much more.
3) Revenue is lost from adults who live together but opt not to be formally married in order to pay less in taxes. People from every economic level have loop holes or mechanisms that allow fewer taxes to be paid. The expression, "Where there's a will, there's a way," stands close to the notion that if there is a way, people will -- if it is financially beneficial!
4) There are households with at least two employed persons making incomes high enough individually to cover expenses for the entire household. In times of economic distress, unnecessarily keeping a job denies a household in dire need of income of employment opportunities.
5) Thanks to easier living, we no longer have to engage physically to obtain what we desire. I no longer have to go to an actual location other than my own home to purchase many of the products I have. I no longer have to go to church to hear a sermon. I no longer have to go visit my friends and give them gifts in person or send them letters and cards in the mail. Etc., etc. As mentioned before, with fewer bodies coming through stores' doors, less employees, space, and stock is needed. By "churching" from home, churches will likely see a decrease in tithing, which is impact their ability to serve the needs of the community and beyond, meaning less for those who are already needy. Businesses that used to be sustained by in-person friendships and relationships are now hampered by the lack of face-to-face interaction and the purchase of tangible items.
In summary: Society is better off with the financially able having the freedom to place their resources into areas about which they are compassionate or taking risks to invest in opportunities for others. Our nation's quality of life, as a whole, would be greatly impacted without the treasures we enjoy thanks to the donations and "gifts" of people who donate significant amounts of financing, land, and structures for these projects.
Not only do the wealthier members of society have the highest tax rate and pay the majority (I believe it is still over 80%) of our country's and states' revenues, they contribute substantially as consumers of products and services, provide employment for their personal residences and activities, expend hours in volunteer and charitable services that would otherwise suffer greatly or even close -- again, endeavors that provide the general population with a better quality of life. There is nothing in our Judeo-Christian background that chastises wealth; in fact, it is encouraged. It does, however, encourage those blessed with abundance (in every sense of the word) to give back some in order to help others achieve more. Chip away at their rewards, and soon they will not be able -- or willing -- to continue supporting some of the very things our society values and enjoys.
I challenge adults shirking long-established values for the sake of, well, let's call it what it is -- greed -- to step back and look through the window. What do you see? Perhaps disrespect, selfishness, false superiority, and certainly no one setting a good example. For those households earning two or more self-sufficient incomes, what might be seen through their windows? Perhaps the same characteristics listed above. Downstream, what are the messages we are sending the younger generations? How the heck can we expect them to have a better future when we teach them how to shun what is needed and what is right?
We need to think smart, think objectively, and think outside the "tunnel." The rich have not damned us. Nor have the corporations. We ourselves have. We need to look at our own personal standards and behaviors. We need to scrutinize our own priorities. We do not need more stimulus packages -- they have already been a failure due to corruption and apathy. We do not need Wall Street protests -- we need to utilize the powers we already have and stop re-electing highly-paid CEOs, company presidents, and destructive business practices through our annual stockholder opportunities and our power as consumers of products and services. We need to look at our personal situations and see if we can make some sacrifices in order to give a hand-up to someone currently in a tight spot.
Just as the domino effect can tumble downward, the domino effect can also climb upward. We need to start doing what it takes individually and together as a whole to promote the latter. We need to stop immature whining and address issues and situations wisely, maturely, and confidently. Rarely is there only one culprit causing a situation. Whole pictures need review. At least a couple options need thorough scrutiny and consideration. Legal and persistent remedies need to be enacted.
You don't like "Wall Street?" Fire the companies/organizations/people causing angst. There is more than one company/organization/person. Take your support, business, and loyalty elsewhere. Nothing flourishes without support. So instead of wasting time and energy complaining against people, places, and things already in place because of support somewhere along the line, put the time and energy into doing what is truly needed (which even in itself might create jobs and overall economic growth -- oh my, what a concept!).
It's never too late to take personal inventory and be better (oh -- how many times over the years have I done this, and still do. It's a never-ending exercise, but it is so worth it). Embrace what is morally and ethically beneficial, and let's stop embarrassing the younger folks but rather be worthy role models and mentors for them as they travel the long roads that lie ahead. AND, let's maintain the same expectations of others as we do ourselves. Personally, I'm disgusted at the garbage on our air waves, on our tv screens, at our sports arenas -- you name it, something vile is likely to be there somewhere (or close by). If I can't turn it around, I can certainly turn it off, and maybe even shut it down!
Maeke Ermarth © October 9, 2011
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