We are all makers, takers and givers - Democrats, Republicans and corporations, all three, all the time. The argument really lies with differing definitions of fairness and opposing ideas about whom the government should be distributing its largess to.
Corporations and most Republicans believe that democracy exists to serve capitalism. They encourage and create laws that feed the capitalistic structure through tax breaks, subsidizing corporate risk-taking, free use of government lands for extracting, government research opening new fields for business and profiteering. Fairness is defined by them as winner takes all; the outcome of competition in an unregulated capitalistic system. They are givers through charities, tax-deductible organizations that are powerful, random and whimsical.
Democrats and their organizations generally view government as the provider of a fair playing field with capitalism serving democracy. They encourage and create laws with the goal of preventing social division into haves and have-nots. They favor regulations that keep capitalism from running amok. They support equal access to education, health care and a safety grid so no one slips too far from survival's basics. Everybody gives, everybody takes and everybody makes.
Once everyone can agree on the facts, the above differences can be resolved. A definition of fairness evolves, including both perspectives. Opposing views act as checks and balances, preventing excesses on either side. Capitalism actually serves all best with regulations that balance expressed needs.
The result will become our new perfect union - respectful, thoughtful and big enough for all.
Sue Wilson
Haiku
