Fair enough, here goes:
How would we know if a person will be able to "bring something to the table" if they die of untreated tuberculosis or cancer first? So first, I'm advocating for universal healthcare. You may argue that we have than now, but instead of debating you on that point, I'll just request that we at least don't move backwards.
Second, I'd also argue that even a genius will never be able to seek out any opportunities if they don't have the access to educate themselves. This can be restricted in many societal ways, but I think at the very least, we should provide for a strong public education. You may argue that we have than now, but instead of debating you on that point, I'll just request that we at least don't move backwards.
We do a better job at providing general education in this country than we do at practical education. So, I'm advocating for FREE public college education for anybody who can get in.
Why is this opportunity redistribution and not wealth distribution? I'm glad you asked
The simple answer is that you're not redistributing tangible assets. You can't sell your degree or your chemotherapy treatments to anybody else. There is no value to these other than they give you more opportunity to do what you want with your life. Therefore, these do not fall in the same category as medicaid, welfare, or food stamps.
Of course, the things above cost money. We can argue plenty about where that money comes from. One conservative argument I concur with is that taking money from somebody to pay for the opportunity growth of others diminishes the opportunity of the person who gave the money. But then again, though "opportunity" isn't a zero sum game, neither is it an unlimited resource, hence the need to "spread it around." However, there's one group of people who do can give up ALL of their money without diminishing their opportunity at all... dead people. You can't take opportunity with you into the afterlife, you've got to use it up here.
As for our differences of opinion, I think that has a lot to do with our upbringing and personal circumstances... which I can respect. Even mookie1995's "Life aint fair. Deal with it" sentiment can me chalked up to a high "Power Distance" tolerance. It's no different than the way a Venezuelan or a Saudi Arabian might think. As for my line of thinking, I'm probably more similar to an Austrian or Israeli line of thinking. Ultimately, the lines of thinking balance out and is reflected in our legislation. That's why the U.S. is, globally, towards the middle in social mobility.
Still though, I'm not complaining for myself. I'm doing fine. I acknowledge that I didn't do it myself either. Not that my parents paid for my college or anything, but they gave me a stable home, encouragement, health insurance, a nice neighborhood with decent public schools, and occasional help with my homework. I'd say I was dealt a 9-8 suited. It's not a premium hand, but it's something to work with. I just think there's a lot of people with 7-2 offsuit out there that have the potential for greatness. It doesn't help our country if the chip leaders raise them all-in every hand.
