This observation by Thomas Sowell is quoted in today's Wall Street Journal and is from his fine book, "The Vision of the Anointed":
Among the many other questions raised by the nebulous concept of "greed" is why it is a term applied almost exclusively to those who want to earn more money or to keep what they have already earned - never to those wanting to take other people's money in taxes or to those wishing to live on the largess dispensed from such taxation. No amount of taxation is ever described by the anointed as "greed" on the part of the government or the clientele of the government.
2 comments:
I get what he's trying to say, but Sowell lost me here by putting the word "greed" in quotes. Not like it's not one of the seven deadly sins or anything. And not like this is not an unexpected quote from none other than the Wall Street, the Wall Street, Journal. I'm sure many of its readers deny their greediness like a sex addict denies his lust. With quotes like this they can go on their merry way. I've read Sowell over the years. Even enjoyed his biography. Even admire him and his thinking about many things. But he's not always right. Well, he's always Right, but not always right. E.
E,
I am far from being a Wall Streeter and don't agree with Sowell on everything but I think he has a point on this one.
As always though, E's thoughts are very welcome and provocative!
Michael
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