Do the rich have a duty to help the poor in your opinion? (Sanders, Obama)

[Chowhound]

I vote no.

I'm a perfect world rich people would donate more, but I don't think that they have a duty to do so.

This country was sort of founded on a "pulling ones self up by the bootstraps" type of mentality.

I get that sometimes people aren't as successful in life, sometimes we need to reach out to the down trodden.

I just wonder where the line for that begin and ends.

[petch751]

Originally Posted by Chowhound

I vote no.

I'm a perfect world rich people would donate more, but I don't think that they have a duty to do so.

This country was sort of founded on a "pulling ones self up by the bootstraps" type of mentality.

I get that sometimes people aren't as successful in life, sometimes we need to reach out to the down trodden.

I just wonder where the line for that begin and ends.

A lot of the "down trodden" have the attitude that someone owes them. Others are their own worst enemy. I have a cuz who is an alcoholic, been to rehab 3 times. Still can't hold a job because he keeps showing up for work drunk.

He's been given my grandparents house because he was "down trodden", he trashed it and now it's boarded up as unsafe. My mom tried to help, allowing him to live with her rent free as long as he stopped drinking, he didn't, in fact he stole from her. And this is where people think our money should go?

[brownbagg]

Originally Posted by petch751

Did the poor think when they were coming of age that they would work at McD's and live happily ever after?

let see working four hours a day in an airconditioner building, hmm that sure beat being on the road crew

[texan2yankee]

"Duty", no. All of us have a moral obligation as human beings to help at least one other person, in my opinion.

[petch751]

Originally Posted by texan2yankee

"Duty", no. All of us have a moral obligation as human beings to help at least one other person, in my opinion.

I was a mentor to a kid who is doing very well. Actually I'm pretty proud of it. Of course I didn't waste my time with someone who was a complainer, wasn't interested in learning and doing.

[MIKEETC]

Originally Posted by LowTune

Do the rich have a duty to help the poor in your opinion?

No.

[but that shouldn't stop anyone from doing it]

[Snowball7]

There are many rich people who are not interested in "learning and doing" either.
The only difference is that they have investment income, and the poor have not.
Their investments depend on a functioning society.

[petch751]

Originally Posted by Snowball7

There are many rich people who are not interested in "learning and doing" either.
The only difference is that they have investment income, and the poor have not.
Their investments depend on a functioning society.

I'll bet 100 to 1 that it's the poor who haven't cracked a book open since HS. The rich are always learning, even with investing they are learning. Only a fool, (soon to be parted with his money) puts his money on the line without learning about investing.

[GHOSTRIDER AZ]

I think any who the resources should invest in new business and expansion. This will help the poor with jobs. Not hand outs!

Many so call rich people do help and have foundations.

[Nodpete]

Originally Posted by Northeastah

I think everyone should give to charity. It's the moral thing to do.

It would be IF the charities used the major portion (85% or more) toward the cause. But sadly, most charities spend more on administrative costs than on helping.