Nation Building and the Origin of Government, Period 5, Class 8, Thursday, 3-3

[glasses-justice.livejournal.com]

"Welcome back," Alex began, leaning back against her desk with the typical disposable cup of tea in one hand. The tea bag was wrapped around the fingers of her other hand, and she dunked while she talked. "This week, we were going to tackle the minutiae of imports and exports, but you're all just back from break, and I'd rather not put you to sleep. So we're jumping ahead."

"We've had a few disagreements so far," she said, "which is ideal. This class should be about confronting conflicting preconceptions. And I've been disagreeing with most of you, where I can, to play devil's-advocate, though sometimes I slip up on that. This week, we're going to confront one of the essential conflicts head-on."

She took a sip before continuing. "We've had some very basic disagreements about what the size and scope of a government should be, varying from a laissez-faire hands-off approach, one that allows the people freedom and trusts in their better nature, all the way to one that dictates its citizens' very lives based on their genetic codes. What should a government do, and what shouldn't it?"

"The less services we provide, the less we need to tax our citizens, and the less restrictions we need to place on them. But the less services we provide generally means the less we're able to care for those citizens who've fallen on bad times. And we can trust in our citizens, to some extent, but we should also remember that they'll be looking after their own interests first."

Another sip, and then she smiled at her students. "We're going to tackle a few specific scenarios, today, and then next week we'll look at the bigger picture."

Comments

Re: Discussion #2 - Poverty - NAT08

[glasses-justice.livejournal.com]

"That can add up quickly," Alex said. "What kind of food? How extensive is the health care? How many levels of education are we covering? I assume we're also contributing clothing, since that's a necessity. And homes, since people need a place to live? How are we funding all of this?"

Re: Discussion #2 - Poverty - NAT08

[whateverknight.livejournal.com]

"Taxes, I guess," Squall answered. "I don't know how much of what or anything -- just as much as possible for as cheaply as possible. Maybe the people being helped can be put to work growing their own food or something. They get the same health care and education as everyone else, though."