Should the Goverment treat everyone equally, or should they make everyone equal?

@tdavis (117)
United States
November 1, 2008 1:08pm CST
From prior discisions in this forum, it would appear that people mix the two ideas up. Should everyone be treated equally, yes that is the fair and right thing and way to do things. Should everyone be equal? No, our strength is in diversity. Not to mention that it would be impossible to make everyone equal. To pick and choose what things we would make everyone equal on and what we wouldn't, in it self would violate the idea to make everyone equal. Let's say that I am over weight and due to this condition, I feel bad about myself. This is a half truth, I am over weight, I work out three times a week and run several miles everyother day, but I like to eat. However, I don't feel bad about myself, that's just the way I am. Now back to the original idea. To treat me as an equal is fine, but to make me equal. Are you or the goverment going to pay for me to have cosmetic surgery so that I can be equal and show off my six pack abs? Or are you going to make everyone get fat?
1 person likes this
3 responses
• United States
1 Nov 08
Very good point. THe government should treat every equally. Not make everyone equal. There is a huge difference.
2 people like this
@missybal (4490)
• United States
1 Nov 08
Sorry but I have the opposite problem. I can't keep weight on no matter how hard I try. Can't get over 110 lbs. I most likely eat more than you (I love food too and thank goodness for this metabolism). So I'm sorry I can't get fat for you or the government. lol Well you are in the political section so yes we really are talking about the definition of rich and who should get a government handout. I was raised on ramen noodles and cheerios. My toys were styrofoam peanuts and cardboard box play houses. My parents never made more than $35,000 combined up until I was 16 years old, and they worked their b u t t s off. They saved up and were real careful to stay out of debt and they started a business. A brokerage out of their own home. They just paid cash for a brand new home. They worked their way up and pay their taxes. My parents taught me you don't depend on anyone else to take care of you if you can help it. My pride carried me through illness that I was unable to even walk for three months. I still have the illness today and so that is why I had to find a way to work from home. I could go after assistance and get it if I wanted, but I know I can do anything I set my mind to. I see so many people in my state that just give up. They don't seem the least bit ashamed when they take assistance when they are able to take care of themselves but they lack the drive. I know hard times falls on some that do not deserve it, but from struggle we only get stronger. I'm greatful my parents instilled this pride in me. I want equal opportunity to gain the future I desire. I believe when you make everyone equal you eliminate that drive. Why work for something you can have handed to you? Say you did have a poor opinion of how you look. If everyone looked just like you you wouldn't care. So what would your drive be to be healthy? As you said you are happy the way you are and you are healthy but there are those who lack that drive or that pride in who they are to do what is best for them. They need to fight for the future they desire if they want it bad enough. Hope I explained that so everyone can understand where I'm coming from.
1 person likes this
@tdavis (117)
• United States
1 Nov 08
Great answer, I love it. I am really impressed, not only that you succeed in what you put your mind too. But that you actually hold the same values as I. We were poor, but I did not know the difference. Once a year we got new shoes for school, and the old school shoes, became the play shoes. We collected soda bottles and once a week turned them in at the corner market and got enough money to go to the drive in for the dollar a car load special. The greatest time was when we got a new refrig., we got the box. I had two older brothers so i never got new clothes, but I didn't care, they were new to me. My Father was a ditch digger, for a local power company. He didn't finish high school. Well in the end, he got his GED, and eventually worked into realestate, scrimped and saved till they could buy their dream, a small farm, 2 houses on 15 acrs. About 10 years later he passed away, leaving my mother taken care of. Old fashion values aren't to many of those around anymore. Good luck and thanks for your inspiration.
@missybal (4490)
• United States
1 Nov 08
lol Thanks for the best response... My mother cleaned houses and was a welder making tool boxes at a factory. Also did Bookkeeping on the side. My father was a poor salesman who sold everything under the sun got fired repeatedly but didn't quit. Never was without a job for long but his resume was a mile long. The fact that now he does what he does is amazing. I've been collecting all those toys my parents couldn't get me when I was little. Kinda late, maybe I'm too old... But I can afford it now. But I still think no matter how much money I have, my kid's getting the cardboard box!
@newtondak (3946)
• United States
1 Nov 08
If wealth is to be redistributed - that takes away the incentive for those who make more to do so - why should they work hard and invest their money wisely if the "extra" that they make is taken and given to someone else.