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The Morality of Money
Author: BobR
Date: 10/03/2012 13:03:37
The video of presidential hopeful Mitt Romney castigating 47% of Americans which surfaced from the murky depths of the internets a couple weeks ago seemed certain to permanently damage his campaign. Romney tried to tap dance and claim his points were "ineloguently stated". Running mate Paul Ryan characterized it as a "misstep".
Another video has emerged, this one of Ryan and 1 year old. In it, Ryan claims 30% of Americans want a welfare state:
He is referring to the 47% when he refers to the "takers". To him, to Romney, and to a lot of Republicans, if you aren't paying taxes or are getting back more than you pay in, you are a "taker", not a "maker".
What I find more frustrating and disturbing in this mindset, however, is using money and/or taxes as the definition of who is a "taker" and who is a "maker". If a person works a menial manufacturing job, and has a mortgage deduction (and other tax "loopholes" - which the Repbublicans want to eliminate), he may - assuming a low hourly rate - pay little to no taxes. Is he not a "maker"?? How about the head of the company who simply delegates responsibility to underlings and pulls in a huge salary with benefits. How exactly is HE a "maker", especially when you compare his labors to that of the bottom rung of his company who toil for his benefit?
In Romney/Ryan world, wealth is a sign of being a "maker". It's a virtue unto itself. If you are not wealthy and/or not paying taxes, you are a "taker", a non-contributer, a sloth, a pox on the body of America itself.
Romney and Ryan both claim to be religious men, and claim their Christian (or ostensibly "Christian-based") religion drives their morality. Yet Christ himself decried wealth. Christ drove the money-changers (bankers) from the temple.
This viewpoint is heavily influenced by the Ayn Rand philosphy - who was a "taker" herself at certain points of her life. Paul Ryan has previously recanted his fealty to Ayn Rand and may claim that his morality is influenced by his faith, but his words betray his true alliance. He believes that Wealth = Moral, Poor = Immoral.
Money is the new morality. Amen and pass the bankbook.
Another video has emerged, this one of Ryan and 1 year old. In it, Ryan claims 30% of Americans want a welfare state:
"Seventy percent of Americans want the American dream. They believe in the American idea. Only 30 percent want their welfare state," Ryan said.
"Before too long, we could become a society where the net majority of Americans are takers, not makers."
He is referring to the 47% when he refers to the "takers". To him, to Romney, and to a lot of Republicans, if you aren't paying taxes or are getting back more than you pay in, you are a "taker", not a "maker".
- So people in the military are "takers".
- Rich people who use tax loopholes and end up paying no taxes (Mitt?) are "takers".
- Oil companies that get subsidies which offset their tax liabilities are "takers".
- States (mostly "red") that pay less in taxes than they receive in monies from the Fed are "takers".
- Ryan - and anyone who works directly for the government - is a "taker" because he is getting more tax dollars (in salary) than he is putting in.
What I find more frustrating and disturbing in this mindset, however, is using money and/or taxes as the definition of who is a "taker" and who is a "maker". If a person works a menial manufacturing job, and has a mortgage deduction (and other tax "loopholes" - which the Repbublicans want to eliminate), he may - assuming a low hourly rate - pay little to no taxes. Is he not a "maker"?? How about the head of the company who simply delegates responsibility to underlings and pulls in a huge salary with benefits. How exactly is HE a "maker", especially when you compare his labors to that of the bottom rung of his company who toil for his benefit?
In Romney/Ryan world, wealth is a sign of being a "maker". It's a virtue unto itself. If you are not wealthy and/or not paying taxes, you are a "taker", a non-contributer, a sloth, a pox on the body of America itself.
Romney and Ryan both claim to be religious men, and claim their Christian (or ostensibly "Christian-based") religion drives their morality. Yet Christ himself decried wealth. Christ drove the money-changers (bankers) from the temple.
This viewpoint is heavily influenced by the Ayn Rand philosphy - who was a "taker" herself at certain points of her life. Paul Ryan has previously recanted his fealty to Ayn Rand and may claim that his morality is influenced by his faith, but his words betray his true alliance. He believes that Wealth = Moral, Poor = Immoral.
Money is the new morality. Amen and pass the bankbook.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 10/03/2012 13:07:19
Good morning.
I truly am baffled at this type of morality.
Raine on 10/03/2012 13:07:19
Good morning. I truly am baffled at this type of morality.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 13:08:11
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 13:08:11
I am gonna be watching the debate tonight just to see the Mittbot's zinger software fail.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 13:10:46
You mean amorality.
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 13:10:46
Quote by Raine:
I truly am baffled at this type of morality.
You mean amorality.
Comment by 
TriSec on 10/03/2012 13:11:00
TriSec on 10/03/2012 13:11:00
Morning, comrades.
Bob, I must disagree with one statement - Romney is not a "Christian". However, you all know of my last prejudice.
I'm afraid I won't have much to contribute to the "forgiveness" debate from last night...I bear grudges and keep an enemies list. I lie in wait for revenge on those who wronged me, even decades ago.
Bob, I must disagree with one statement - Romney is not a "Christian". However, you all know of my last prejudice.
I'm afraid I won't have much to contribute to the "forgiveness" debate from last night...I bear grudges and keep an enemies list. I lie in wait for revenge on those who wronged me, even decades ago.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 13:11:41
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 13:11:41
Morning 
Comment by 
BobR on 10/03/2012 13:12:10
Hence my comment of "ostensibly 'Christian-based'"
BobR on 10/03/2012 13:12:10
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
Bob, I must disagree with one statement - Romney is not a "Christian". However, you all know of my last prejudice.
I'm afraid I won't have much to contribute to the "forgiveness" debate from last night...I bear grudges and keep an enemies list. I lie in wait for revenge on those who wronged me, even decades ago.
Hence my comment of "ostensibly 'Christian-based'"
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 13:19:47
Raine on 10/03/2012 13:19:47
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 13:28:20
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 13:28:20
oh lord, is this the same woman from yesterday?
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 13:28:54
Raine on 10/03/2012 13:28:54
OMG oh noes... Huge bombshell...
Video surfaces of Obama in 2007 suggesting racism slowed aid to post-Katrina New Orleans
Video surfaces of Obama in 2007 suggesting racism slowed aid to post-Katrina New Orleans
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 13:29:24
I think this is another woman. These women are really sorta sad.
Raine on 10/03/2012 13:29:24
Quote by wickedpam:
oh lord, is this the same woman from yesterday?
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 13:29:43
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 13:29:43
Stephanie is as "viscous" as a baby bunny 
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 13:30:56
weren't we all saying that back in 2005?
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 13:30:56
Quote by Raine:
OMG oh noes... Huge bombshell...
Video surfaces of Obama in 2007 suggesting racism slowed aid to post-Katrina New Orleans
weren't we all saying that back in 2005?
Comment by TriSec on 10/03/2012 13:31:26
TriSec on 10/03/2012 13:31:26
< sighs through gritted teeth >
Dear Provider,
You mean to tell me you've been submitting direct electronic files for years and you've never picked up an acknowledgement or even know what it is? How are you confirming that we received your files?
Draw Circle. Bang Head Here.
Dear Provider,
You mean to tell me you've been submitting direct electronic files for years and you've never picked up an acknowledgement or even know what it is? How are you confirming that we received your files?
Draw Circle. Bang Head Here.
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 13:36:20
Yup.
And from Think Progress comes this link:
Condoleezza Rice During Katrina: 'We Clearly Have A Race Problem'
Raine on 10/03/2012 13:36:20
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
OMG oh noes... Huge bombshell...
Video surfaces of Obama in 2007 suggesting racism slowed aid to post-Katrina New Orleans
weren't we all saying that back in 2005?
And from Think Progress comes this link:
Condoleezza Rice During Katrina: 'We Clearly Have A Race Problem'
The airwaves were filled with devastating pictures from New Orleans. And the faces of most of the people in distress were black. I knew right away that I should never have left Washington. I called my chief of staff, Brian Gunderson. "I'm coming home," I said.
"Yeah. You'd better do that," he answered.
Then I called the President. "Mr. President, I'm coming back. I don't know how much I can do, but we clearly have a race problem," I said.
Comment by TriSec on 10/03/2012 13:44:01
TriSec on 10/03/2012 13:44:01
I've lost another 2 pounds this week.
Young Javi suggests that I should start going to Burger King, because that "makes you fat" and not to go to Subway, because you lose weight there.
Smart kid, that one.
Young Javi suggests that I should start going to Burger King, because that "makes you fat" and not to go to Subway, because you lose weight there.
Smart kid, that one.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 13:50:24
The smoking gun! See he is anti-white! I told you! Radical Muslim Kenyan Socialist Nazi!
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 13:50:24
Quote by Raine:
OMG oh noes... Huge bombshell...
Video surfaces of Obama in 2007 suggesting racism slowed aid to post-Katrina New Orleans
The smoking gun! See he is anti-white! I told you! Radical Muslim Kenyan Socialist Nazi!
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:03:00
Well done, youngling. Haven't been to Burger Pope in years.
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:03:00
Quote by TriSec:
I've lost another 2 pounds this week.
Young Javi suggests that I should start going to Burger King, because that "makes you fat" and not to go to Subway, because you lose weight there.
Smart kid, that one.
Well done, youngling. Haven't been to Burger Pope in years.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:08:26
It is all kinds of hilarious, watched it last night before "Half The Sky" came on. We all did watch it, yes????
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:08:26
Quote by BobR:
I finally got around to watching this. It is TEH AWESOME!
It is all kinds of hilarious, watched it last night before "Half The Sky" came on. We all did watch it, yes????
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:10:46
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:10:46
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 10/03/2012 14:21:30
Will in Chicago on 10/03/2012 14:21:30
BobR, thanks for a great blog. I believe that despite their claims, Romney and Ryan would be much happier with Mammon than the religions that they publicly profess.
I would argue that the opinions that Romney and Ryan are making about the poor, the working poor and the middle class comes from the same sort of entitlement that has been condemned by visionaries and prophets for years. I am somewhat familiar with the teachings of all the Abrahamic faiths and I am reminded of the statement that you should love your neighbor as yourself. I do not feel loved in Romney and Ryan's vision of America, rather I feel that I and the vast majority of Americans are being treated with derision.
I would argue that the opinions that Romney and Ryan are making about the poor, the working poor and the middle class comes from the same sort of entitlement that has been condemned by visionaries and prophets for years. I am somewhat familiar with the teachings of all the Abrahamic faiths and I am reminded of the statement that you should love your neighbor as yourself. I do not feel loved in Romney and Ryan's vision of America, rather I feel that I and the vast majority of Americans are being treated with derision.
Comment by TriSec on 10/03/2012 14:21:38
TriSec on 10/03/2012 14:21:38
Tibetans put salt and yak butter in their tea, primarily to pick up extra calories in their harsh climate.
Now, if only I could find some yak butter.....
Now, if only I could find some yak butter.....
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 14:21:54
I'm not sure if I should
or 
what is gangnam style? I'm out of the loop on this one.
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 14:21:54
Quote by BobR:
I finally got around to watching this. It is TEH AWESOME!
I'm not sure if I should
or what is gangnam style? I'm out of the loop on this one.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:24:16
I've recently learned of a cottage industry that I'm sure you have been aware of for good while now, Tri. That would be the practice management consultant industry.
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:24:16
Quote by TriSec:
< sighs through gritted teeth >
Dear Provider,
You mean to tell me you've been submitting direct electronic files for years and you've never picked up an acknowledgement or even know what it is? How are you confirming that we received your files?
Draw Circle. Bang Head Here.
I've recently learned of a cottage industry that I'm sure you have been aware of for good while now, Tri. That would be the practice management consultant industry.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:25:42
Gangnam Style esplained.
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:25:42
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:
I finally got around to watching this. It is TEH AWESOME!
I'm not sure if I should
what is gangnam style? I'm out of the loop on this one.
Gangnam Style esplained.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 14:33:03
aahhh - good to know
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 14:33:03
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:
I finally got around to watching this. It is TEH AWESOME!
I'm not sure if I should
what is gangnam style? I'm out of the loop on this one.
Gangnam Style esplained.
aahhh - good to know
Comment by 
Scoopster on 10/03/2012 14:42:44
Scoopster on 10/03/2012 14:42:44
Mornin' all.. 
Alas, I believe I'll be unable to watch the debate tonight, due to my appointment at the sleep clinic. Not sure if they have a teevee in the 'observation room', and even if they did they might frown upon it since I'm going there to sleep (badly).
Alas, I believe I'll be unable to watch the debate tonight, due to my appointment at the sleep clinic. Not sure if they have a teevee in the 'observation room', and even if they did they might frown upon it since I'm going there to sleep (badly).
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:44:31
You weren't the only one who felt like that Mala.
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:44:31
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:
I finally got around to watching this. It is TEH AWESOME!
I'm not sure if I should
what is gangnam style? I'm out of the loop on this one.
Gangnam Style esplained.
aahhh - good to know
You weren't the only one who felt like that Mala.
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 14:53:17
Raine on 10/03/2012 14:53:17
awww....
@BarackObama
Twenty years ago today, I married the love of my life and my best friend. Happy anniversary, Michelle. -bo
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 14:57:16
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 14:57:16
um, you get your voter registration card a week after you register to vote anyway. The state actually had to spend extra money to resend everyone their cards again this year because of all this mess.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/03/2012 14:59:00
Love is a beautiful thing.
Will in Chicago on 10/03/2012 14:59:00
Quote by Raine:
awww....@BarackObama
Twenty years ago today, I married the love of my life and my best friend. Happy anniversary, Michelle. -bo
Love is a beautiful thing.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:59:22
No Date Night for POTUS & FLOTUS tonight
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 14:59:22
Quote by Raine:
awww....@BarackObama
Twenty years ago today, I married the love of my life and my best friend. Happy anniversary, Michelle. -bo
No Date Night for POTUS & FLOTUS tonight
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/03/2012 15:03:44
Well, the debate will wrap up in time for a good dinner.
Will in Chicago on 10/03/2012 15:03:44
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
awww....@BarackObama
Twenty years ago today, I married the love of my life and my best friend. Happy anniversary, Michelle. -bo
No Date Night for POTUS & FLOTUS tonight
Well, the debate will wrap up in time for a good dinner.
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 15:05:09
That's kinda bummin'...
Raine on 10/03/2012 15:05:09
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
awww....@BarackObama
Twenty years ago today, I married the love of my life and my best friend. Happy anniversary, Michelle. -bo
No Date Night for POTUS & FLOTUS tonight
Comment by TriSec on 10/03/2012 15:06:12
TriSec on 10/03/2012 15:06:12
*non-sequtir*
Do you think there is still room in this Great Land for a martini-drinking, cigar-smoking, city counselor?
<-- Tobacco, I swear!
Do you think there is still room in this Great Land for a martini-drinking, cigar-smoking, city counselor?
<-- Tobacco, I swear!
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 15:06:47
speaking of the mess, any word on the scan?
Raine on 10/03/2012 15:06:47
Quote by wickedpam:
um, you get your voter registration card a week after you register to vote anyway. The state actually had to spend extra money to resend everyone their cards again this year because of all this mess.
speaking of the mess, any word on the scan?
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 15:10:58
Speaking of voter registration. I just worked for social justice just be doing my job!
Added voter registration info to an AME church website in Ohio!
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 15:10:58
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
um, you get your voter registration card a week after you register to vote anyway. The state actually had to spend extra money to resend everyone their cards again this year because of all this mess.
speaking of the mess, any word on the scan?
Speaking of voter registration. I just worked for social justice just be doing my job!
Added voter registration info to an AME church website in Ohio!
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 15:11:04
Raine on 10/03/2012 15:11:04
You think? I'm shocked I tell you! 
CNN's Berman: Release Of Obama Video Showed A "High Level Of Coordination" Among Daily Caller, Drudge, And Fox
CNN's Berman: Release Of Obama Video Showed A "High Level Of Coordination" Among Daily Caller, Drudge, And Fox
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 15:15:31
EJ's scanner isn't working I'm going to try and pick it up tonight and scan it myself at work tomorrow.
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 15:15:31
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
um, you get your voter registration card a week after you register to vote anyway. The state actually had to spend extra money to resend everyone their cards again this year because of all this mess.
speaking of the mess, any word on the scan?
EJ's scanner isn't working I'm going to try and pick it up tonight and scan it myself at work tomorrow.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 15:16:24
Really? Who knew?
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 15:16:24
Quote by Raine:
You think? I'm shocked I tell you!
CNN's Berman: Release Of Obama Video Showed A "High Level Of Coordination" Among Daily Caller, Drudge, And Fox
Really? Who knew?
Comment by BobR on 10/03/2012 15:25:34
BobR on 10/03/2012 15:25:34
Quote by TriSec:
*non-sequtir*
Do you think there is still room in this Great Land for a martini-drinking, cigar-smoking, city counselor?
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 15:25:56
Raine on 10/03/2012 15:25:56
Damn allergies *sniff*
"I had this impulse to hug him, so I did. And I cried. I think I even got tears on the Vice President's suit jacket! ... I am hugging the man who will help me and help our President move forward."
—Kobe
"I had this impulse to hug him, so I did. And I cried. I think I even got tears on the Vice President's suit jacket! ... I am hugging the man who will help me and help our President move forward."
—Kobe
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 15:26:47
Who's choppin' onions?!
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 15:26:47
Quote by Raine:
Damn allergies *sniff*
"I had this impulse to hug him, so I did. And I cried. I think I even got tears on the Vice President's suit jacket! ... I am hugging the man who will help me and help our President move forward."
—Kobe
Who's choppin' onions?!
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 15:27:48
Mondobubba on 10/03/2012 15:27:48
Today is mah Daddy's birthday. He would have been 87. 
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 15:29:26
stupid dusty things still in the office *sniffle*
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 15:29:26
Quote by Raine:
Damn allergies *sniff*
"I had this impulse to hug him, so I did. And I cried. I think I even got tears on the Vice President's suit jacket! ... I am hugging the man who will help me and help our President move forward."
—Kobe
stupid dusty things still in the office *sniffle*
Comment by wickedpam on 10/03/2012 15:29:59
wickedpam on 10/03/2012 15:29:59
Quote by Mondobubba:
Today is mah Daddy's birthday. He would have been 87.
Comment by Raine on 10/03/2012 15:31:35
How is your mom doing?
Raine on 10/03/2012 15:31:35
Quote by Mondobubba:
Today is mah Daddy's birthday. He would have been 87.
How is your mom doing?
Comment by Scoopster on 10/03/2012 15:32:35
The funniest part of this whole thing to me is Tucker Carlson ADMITTING HOW IRRELEVANT HE'S BEEN FOR YEARS by saying this: "People will say this has already been reported. Well, actually, it hasn't been reported. And I know because I reported on it the first time."
Scoopster on 10/03/2012 15:32:35
Quote by Raine:
You think? I'm shocked I tell you!
CNN's Berman: Release Of Obama Video Showed A "High Level Of Coordination" Among Daily Caller, Drudge, And Fox
The funniest part of this whole thing to me is Tucker Carlson ADMITTING HOW IRRELEVANT HE'S BEEN FOR YEARS by saying this: "People will say this has already been reported. Well, actually, it hasn't been reported. And I know because I reported on it the first time."
Comment by Scoopster on 10/03/2012 15:32:52
Scoopster on 10/03/2012 15:32:52
Quote by Mondobubba:
Today is mah Daddy's birthday. He would have been 87.
Comment by TriSec on 10/03/2012 15:35:55
TriSec on 10/03/2012 15:35:55
Quote by Mondobubba:
Today is mah Daddy's birthday. He would have been 87.