Fun Stuff > BAND
Folk Music and the Environment
bbqrocks:
Not really. You may have ulterior motives apart from masochism which causes you to want them to cause you displeasure.
John Curtin:
But that assumes we all know what causes pleasure or displeasure in others. Furthermore, it still isn't anywhere near a perfect system. Paying taxes causes most people displeasure; does this mean the government is morally reprehensible?
Like I said, I like the golden rule, but it's not infallible, no matter how nicely you define it.
Jackie Blue:
--- Quote from: bbqrocks on 27 Jan 2008, 16:58 ---Not really. You may have ulterior motives apart from masochism which causes you to want them to cause you displeasure.
--- End quote ---
So? The point is still that you want it to happen. Do things to other people that they want to be done to them as you would have other people do things to you that you would want to have done to you.
Really, must I go on? Can't you guys think about your own arguments before hitting the "post" button?
--- Quote from: John Curtis ---Paying taxes causes most people displeasure; does this mean the government is morally reprehensible?
--- End quote ---
1. "The government" is not an individual.
2. In theory, the individuals who pass laws which collect taxes accept that they, too, must pay those taxes. I am not aware of any exemption which allows members of the US government to avoid sales tax, for example.
KvP:
--- Quote from: John Curtin on 27 Jan 2008, 17:07 ---But that assumes we all know what causes pleasure or displeasure in others. Furthermore, it still isn't anywhere near a perfect system. Paying taxes causes most people displeasure; does this mean the government is morally reprehensible?
--- End quote ---
Your use of "pleasure" and "displeasure" is disingenuous. "Suffering" is a better word to use than "displeasure". We want to concern ourselves more with actual pain than discomfort and worry. I don't have a moral responsibility to make sure other people feel good about themselves. I do have a moral responsibility to, as much as possible, keep people from being physically hurt.
Furthermore, most people take taxes for granted. People who refuse to pay taxes still somehow expect to take advantage of sewage systems and waterworks, well kept and coordinated roads, and other essential services. That's what makes them douchebags for not paying taxes. So paying taxes might be uncomfortable in that you're losing money, but it's supposed to be an investment. Only the most clumsy of demagogues would refer to paying taxes as being torturous.
Johnny C:
Man, I totally rescind my "Gah, this thread." It's absolutely fascinating.
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