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We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. — 2 Thessalonians 3:9-11

There are people in this country that think they should get something for nothing. They don’t work, they don’t pay taxes yet they think they are entitled to health care. I know Europeans don’t understand Americans who say you have to stand on your own two feet instead of depending on the government. That’s probably why you are amazed.

@Jason: The health of a nation should be of concern to everyone. Because health is a problem on all levels for society and economy. So less healthy people are less productive.

Socialism is not the philosophy of free loading, but the idea that we all should help each other to make the “human condition” easier to bear. For example mentally sick people are stuffed into prisons in the US, in most parts of Europe they are cared for – for free. These people can’t earn money – they need the willingness of others to help them. The same goes for kids.

Regarding the bible: sure you can find a quote for everything. But I am pretty sure that Jesus asked his followers for tolerance and compassion – right?

Socialism is all about the redistribution of wealth. In order to give the money away to the “less fortunate,” you’ve gotta take it from somebody else. Somewhere in the system, there has to be some free-loaders.

“From each according to his ability,
to each according to his need.” — Karl Marx

@Jason: I really have to laugh here Jason – because capitalism and socialism are BOTH systems to redistribute wealth. They just use different approaches to the “problem”. No offence intended …

The big question is how do you deal with social responsibility and ownership in a society. Already Greek and Roman philosophers tried to find answers to these questions. Taxation is one solution to these problems, so are laws and social services to help the weaker members of society (both also introduced in ancient times).

And no system is 100% fair or efficient. So my questions would be which way offers the most social justice for the society and opportunities for the economy. Both need to work in harmony.