Research confirms what the poor have always known about their relationship with the wealthy: They’re more likely to get a scavenged sandwich from a tramp than a nickel from a man in pinstripes. Wealth, at least in America today, reduces compassion and fosters selfishness, studies show.
The research gives weight to the claim that social class and its associated experiences are primary causes of the apparent greed and aggressive self-interest that many Americans seem to believe is an essential feature of human nature. —ARK
Scientific American:
In one study, [University of California, Berkeley psychologist Paul] Piff and his colleagues discreetly observed the behavior of drivers at a busy four-way intersection. They found that luxury car drivers were more likely to cut off other motorists instead of waiting for their turn at the intersection. This was true for both men and women upper-class drivers, regardless of the time of day or the amount of traffic at the intersection. In a different study they found that luxury car drivers were also more likely to speed past a pedestrian trying to use a crosswalk, even after making eye contact with the pedestrian.
In order to figure out whether selfishness leads to wealth (rather than vice versa), Piff and his colleagues ran a study where they manipulated people’s class feelings. The researchers asked participants to spend a few minutes comparing themselves either to people better off or worse off than themselves financially. Afterwards, participants were shown a jar of candy and told that they could take home as much as they wanted. They were also told that the leftover candy would be given to children in a nearby laboratory. Those participants who had spent time thinking about how much better off they were compared to others ended up taking significantly more candy for themselves—leaving less behind for the children.
A related set of studies published by Keltner and his colleagues last year looked at how social class influences feelings of compassion towards people who are suffering. In one study, they found that less affluent individuals are more likely to report feeling compassion towards others on a regular basis. For example, they are more likely to agree with statements such as, “I often notice people who need help,” and “It’s important to take care of people who are vulnerable.” This was true even after controlling for other factors that we know affect compassionate feelings, such as gender, ethnicity, and spiritual beliefs.
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Never ignore psychopathy and narcissism, both genetic conditions. People are drawn to their own. Most people are happy with enough, don’t need more, give others a chance and a minority are quite simply the psychological developmental result of a genetic conditions (they can only ever be a minority else the human society collapses).
In one case an absence of an autonomic empathic response (the narcissist) and in the other case this absence in combined with a shallowness of emotion and lack of depth in emotional responses not expressed responses but actually felt responses those that actually trigger brain chemical changes internal rewards and punishments (the psychopath).
The narcissists and psychopaths strive to create a society that allows them to prey upon majority, that rewards them for the defects they know they have, especially in the case of the psychopath.
People seem to imagine the homeless as being the pinnacles of morality and ethics, when in truth, they, those in poverty, will rob one blind and, not think twice about it.
I have met homeless that were taking home $300.00 a night pan-handling, tax free money. Now, that’s not to say, all homeless are raking in so much monies, however, not all wealthy are “evil” stingy people, either.
That dog-eat-dog way of relating with others is just the religious freedom of the system; just ask the Natives.
@ReadingJones, yes I know this, but to do what I say would go a long way towards illustrating that being in politics is NOT suppose to be like entering the royal circle. When I say make politics a non-profit job I should have also said that this includes the banning of politicians from taking post
political career jobs in the industries that have lobbied them or from entering any kind of lobbying firm. Yes I know this is full of loop holes. I am not an expert, but people have tried to get this kind of thing past but it has always failed. I figure that starting with the benefit packages would be a good way to work such changes in slowly, with more effect.
@louiss123 ... although what you say may seem to illustrate that given good support, or not, anyone should be able to rise above and succeed, your examples are the exceptions, not the norm. For every Opra and Ray Charles, there are hundreds and thousands of people, with the same backgrounds and abilities, who do not make it for what ever reasons that life in this country and around the world get in the way. Here is a wonderful quote that illustrates better what I am trying to say:
“If wealth was the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise, every woman in Africa would be a millionaire.” - George Monbiot
“Are you a 14 year old boy who just wet himself over his first Ayn Rand novel?”
Brilliant: You just described a whole generation of “mis-educated” Americans (all who grew up during the 1980’s during “morning in America”) whose minds are full of “trickle-down” and “drowning government in the bathtub” bumper sticker philosophy. They are insufferable human beings and, unfortunately, they vote…....
I would like to also say this: In spite of all the back-slapping that Americans do about our “generosity” in the world, Americans have become an incredibly self-deceiving culture. Allow me to cut and paste some main terms that apply to what underlies our fake sense of generosity: avaricious, greedy, penurious, sordid, covetous, miserly, parsimonious, rapacious, stingy.
Our generosity has become “conditional.” Even the Gates Foundation runs it’s philanthropy empire as if the world’s problems must “hold themselves accountable.” It’s all a big giant quid pro quo…................“be poor our way, get in line, maybe help is on the way…..
Most of the profits from being in politics (at least
for the corrupt ones) are in the underground economy.
For example voting for favors for a particular
industry
carries an implicit promise of favors in return such
as a very highly paid executive position post
political career or a partnership in a lobbying firm.
It is sort of like the Mafia used to be—when the
boss helps you out at some time he will expect a
favor in return.
One caveat, not all politicians are corrupt and most
who are are not crooked all the time. They genuinely
like helping people when they can. Big money and big
pressure are still going to win whenever the matter
is important to them.
I think I am in the right place.though a lot of assumptions get thrown around
on here..and lilith? Thank you.
Thirdman,,FYI, I used to assist the Christic Inst. in the 80’s when we would
bring Howard Zinn to town(Santa Cruz). I used to pass his books out for gifts,
Howard is and will always be one of my favorites.
Human perception, can be our ally, or our enemy. If we think we are less than,
then we are. I have always leaned to a libertarian model, vs. an authoritarian
style of government. I believe, perhaps wrongly, that most people will do a darn
good job running their own life, making their own decisions. And, if the
government would get out of the way and let them keep more of what they
earn, people will surprise themselves. The listening here at TD, seems to be
quite left, liberal, whatever you want to call it. All I know is most of my friends
voted for Obama, and many feel so taken. Look who the young kids are excited
about, Ron Paul. I laughing say,,when us old suckers die off, the message of
liberty, might just gain traction.
Lilith, I am a white male. I am not under any illusion that I am lucky and have
more opportunities. The main thing is this..a black kid with loving supportive
parents..has it better than a white kids with mean non-supportive parents.
Why? The power of the subconscious mind. Look at Ray Charles, when he went
blind his Mother never let him hold the thought that he was less just because
he was blind. Oprah? Yeah, she has a real low self esteem-ha! There are so
many examples of black people who refuse to be the victim. The founder of
Enterprise rentacar? Black guy. So in a way,,we become what we think.
I could go on and on about powerful people who hold powerful thoughts in
their heads,,black, white, male, female. Why? because thats where I put my
FOCUS. If you focus on the perception of unfairness, being a victim, evil white
people, tea party a—holes, ...guess what will show up in your life? Yes..those
things…
My parting thought is this,,we have more in common than not. If we all become
united on one thing..say no more war? Then we become unstoppable.
I am permanently disabled with a progressive and deteriorating genetic disease, yet after reading this article I am more at peace with my own situation in regards to how much my future and fate is in the hands of people like this who run the government and the benefit programs that I am on that let me live independently without starving and living on the streets. NOT because I have faith in them, just the opposite, but I no longer feel that they are deliberately and consciously out to hurt people like me for some unknowable reason. Now I truly understand that it is simply mindless greed, and nothing personal. To them I and those like me do not even enter the picture or their feelings, good or bad. We are just in the way, expendable, and politically expedient.
Why easier for me? Because by understanding them better I (we) can focus our energies in the right and most productive areas: Their own pocket books, not their emotions and humanity. First thing on the agenda: Take away all benefits for being in office if you have income and assets equaling or are more then they earn in office. Make them apply and first be found financially eligible, just like the rest of us have to. Same for health care. They have to pay for some or all from their own incomes if they make to much money from ANY source (i.e. assets like capital gains). Make being in politics a non-profit job.
@bpawk I understand completely, yet for celebrities it is a “damned if the do and a damned if they don’t”. If you agree with them, then you love that they are speaking out, if you do not, then the critics why we should listen to them, they are JUST actors and sports people, not people who really understand the issues, just people with personal opinions. And in the end that is really all they are. Being famous for doing something does not make you wise or smart, just mostly lucky.
@louiss123 thank you for your input, and with grace. I greatly appreciate that in this type of communication.
I agree with most of what you just wrote, and I would like to add that stating facts about the reality of one’s life, the economy, and so forth is not “whining”, it is just saying how it is for many, not all, but many people.
I do not know if you are male or female, white or non-white, but if you are white and male I can tell you right now that you most likely have not experienced the world the way the rest of us have. White males in this country do not notice the difference, just like fish do not notice the water they swim in. But a study should that any group the is dominate in a situation begins to feel that they are being over run and have become the minority (by observation only, not counting) when the “others” are actually only at 25% of the group. Suddenly they start screaming for their rights, whining, and so forth, about how hard it is now because of the others who seem to get more preference (in their eyes, not reality) then them, JUST LIKE THE PEOPLE THEY CLAIMED were whiners, lazy and living off the state and so forth. I have seen it happen over and over again. Usually I just look at them and say “Welcome to my world, the real world.”
Where are all the rich celebrities that expect us fans to worship them every time they plug a movie or partake in a ball game - why don’t they speak out for their fans about the injustices and unfairness of tax laws and lack of jobs. Where are they - they splash themselves all over the TV and talk shows asking us to pay good money just to see them in some stupid movie or ball game - why don’t they put their mouth and money into real issues that help their fans? I guess the rich breathe a different air when it suits them. Or maybe we should go to Malawi and get adopted by a celebrity.
Hey Louiss123,
I think you are on the wrong site. You will not get much traction here. If your
objective really is to learn about how our society and economics work, start at the
beginning with a book like Zinn’s “A People’s History of the United States.” I would
be happy to recommend countless others from there.
cruelty of any person who makes even 3 times more money than a cleaning person
and not just cruelty of the rich.
one can get rich only by stealing ‘legally’ or illegally. there is no other way!
what u have in US is mafia rule; that’s the problem!
I come from here,,not from a rah-rah self help book,, but from a mindset. I give
to every homeless person who asks,,not because I feel sorry for them,,but
because, it is prosperity consciousness. You have to give to get, with health or
wealth.
I realize this is not a very left wing concept.
I will be wealthy,,in all areas,,because I want to give more, and experience life
fully. So..I can do one of two things. Complain, blame the tea party, and
religious nuts etc.
Or, take full responsibility, for every freakin area of my life. It is hard work let
me tell you. Its a full time job to catch your self complaining or making
excuses.
You all have it in you to be wealthy. Learn, adjust, create…make more money so
you can give more.
and remember
quit whining….
By waytoomanybottlesofrum, April 11, 2012 at 11:38 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
A few years ago, I was pulling out of a parking lot onto a road with a speed limit of 40 mph. I had to wait for a line of cars to pass before I could make a right turn and merge on to the road. After the line of cars passed, the road was clear. Except for a sports car in the distance, coming down the road, probably traveling some thirty mph over the speed limit. If he were going the speed limit, I could easily have gone.
I wouldn’t have been able to get on the road because of this jackass’s inconsiderate and dangerous behavior. I was in a mood anyway, so I didn’t do what most people would have. I turned on to the road anyway, accelerated rather quickly, and figured this guy in the sports car will just have to slow down.
He didn’t slow down much, and by the time I had accelerated to about 45 mph he was right on my bumper - maybe a foot away at most. I had to speed up to about fifty mph to feel a little safer. I looked in the rearview mirror and he was irate, obviously yelling and thrashing his hands about. So I decided to teach him a lesson.
I floored the brakes. My car decelerated to zero in a few seconds, I almost flew off the road. And so did he! The tires were screeching, and I could easily have sent him on a vacation through his windshield. But there wasn’t a collision.
After both of our cars stopped, I simply accelerated and went on my way. When I was perhaps a thousand feet ahead of him, I looked in my mirror and saw his car still just sitting, stopped, in the road. I must have freaked him out good. He maybe saw his life flash before his eyes.
I bet he’ll think twice about driving like an asshole again.
@louiss123 .... sigh ... like many, if not most Americans, your statement falls into the mythic trap of “anyone can be rich and everyone can be”, and if they are not, then they are not trying hard enough and thus are obviously self induced failures.
The most glaring fallacy of this myth is the assumption that if “everyone” could be rich and/or the owner of their own business, then all would be solved. Never is it ever mentioned where and how the raw materials and the manufactured items, that these “rich successful entrepreneurs” sell, will come from. Out of the blue air, I suppose. Someone has to collect the raw materiels, or grow them, then others have to ship and transport them, then others have to manufacture them, so that in the end the business owner can sell them, via salespersons, delivery people, store managers and the like. To imply that these very same people are settling for victim-hood rather than success, is not only to insult and disrespect them and their very imported and necessary contributions to society, but shows that those who hold this myth know nothing about how to be a real entrepreneur, not how being financially rich really operates.
For the past ten years I have been “Busking” during Christmas by singing Christmas Carols in front of stories while in my 3-wheeled scooter wheelchair. I can tell you this: the poorer the person, the bigger and more often given the tip. It was suggested one time that I go to the next town, where the people are mostly middle and upper class and that I would get better tips. Just opposite. Not only did I get less than half the amount in tips, people tried so hard to not look at me or notice me that several ran right into me, as well being elbowed, jostled, and pushed, things that have never before or since happened to me.
And before any of you make any wise cracks, yes I am a delightful singer, I get many awed comments about my singing, and invited to be a soloist in many, many choirs.
Its 2012 and we are still trying to go here? Money is an inanimate object. It by
itself does not make people bad or greedy. It just magnifies the kind of person
they already are. There are many mean spirited liberals, heaven forbid they win
the lottery.
The most spiritual, evolved thing to do,,is all you people…create wealth! Do
not rely on the freakin government to “take care of you”. Become
entrepreneurial, find an area of service, or a product that the world would
benefit from. Quit making excuses for your life!
We can either come from a mindset of abundance..or lack. I mean in all areas,
health, success, happiness etc. Being against wealth is like being against health.
You can’t be poor health wise to make others more healthy.
Quit whining, take charge, dont make excuses and make your life work..then
you can give even more to all your causes.
Life is too short to be a victim…...
“In addition, their heart rates slowed down while watching the cancer video—a response that is associated with paying greater attention to the feelings and motivations of others.”
This makes a lot of sense.
Also, I don’t know what the vehicle of choice for aggresive drivers is these days, but throughout the nineties and a little beyond, I can say with confidence that is was a black BMW.
The Lotto Symbolizes the False Promises of Barracuda Capitalism
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By rtb61, April 19, 2012 at 10:24 pm Link to this comment
Never ignore psychopathy and narcissism, both genetic conditions. People are drawn to their own. Most people are happy with enough, don’t need more, give others a chance and a minority are quite simply the psychological developmental result of a genetic conditions (they can only ever be a minority else the human society collapses).
Report thisIn one case an absence of an autonomic empathic response (the narcissist) and in the other case this absence in combined with a shallowness of emotion and lack of depth in emotional responses not expressed responses but actually felt responses those that actually trigger brain chemical changes internal rewards and punishments (the psychopath).
The narcissists and psychopaths strive to create a society that allows them to prey upon majority, that rewards them for the defects they know they have, especially in the case of the psychopath.
By jr., April 14, 2012 at 10:34 am Link to this comment
It never ceases to amaze me, the comments left.
People seem to imagine the homeless as being the pinnacles of morality and ethics, when in truth, they, those in poverty, will rob one blind and, not think twice about it.
I have met homeless that were taking home $300.00 a night pan-handling, tax free money. Now, that’s not to say, all homeless are raking in so much monies, however, not all wealthy are “evil” stingy people, either.
That dog-eat-dog way of relating with others is just the religious freedom of the system; just ask the Natives.
Welcome to free america.
Report thisBy Lilith, April 13, 2012 at 4:16 pm Link to this comment
@ReadingJones True, true
Report thisBy ReadingJones, April 13, 2012 at 3:53 pm Link to this comment
Lilith I still think it an unlikely solution but your
Report thisproposal might at least force some of the snakes out in
the open.
By Lilith, April 13, 2012 at 3:01 pm Link to this comment
@ReadingJones, yes I know this, but to do what I say would go a long way towards illustrating that being in politics is NOT suppose to be like entering the royal circle. When I say make politics a non-profit job I should have also said that this includes the banning of politicians from taking post
Report thispolitical career jobs in the industries that have lobbied them or from entering any kind of lobbying firm. Yes I know this is full of loop holes. I am not an expert, but people have tried to get this kind of thing past but it has always failed. I figure that starting with the benefit packages would be a good way to work such changes in slowly, with more effect.
By Lilith, April 13, 2012 at 2:50 pm Link to this comment
@louiss123 ... although what you say may seem to illustrate that given good support, or not, anyone should be able to rise above and succeed, your examples are the exceptions, not the norm. For every Opra and Ray Charles, there are hundreds and thousands of people, with the same backgrounds and abilities, who do not make it for what ever reasons that life in this country and around the world get in the way. Here is a wonderful quote that illustrates better what I am trying to say:
“If wealth was the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise, every woman in Africa would be a millionaire.” - George Monbiot
SOURCE: http://front.moveon.org/the-truth-about-poverty-that-youll-never-hear-on-fox-news/
Report thisBy Lilith, April 13, 2012 at 2:34 pm Link to this comment
@mrfreeze .... Okay, hold on to your hat .... minus the language and the acerbic tone of your post ..... I AGREE WITH YOU! ... now don’t faint ....
Report thisBy bluejeanne, April 13, 2012 at 1:44 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
A great Prophet once said:
‘It will be easier for a camel to get thru the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get thru the gates of Heaven.’
Report thisBy jr., April 13, 2012 at 10:37 am Link to this comment
I can’t help sensing a bit of snobbish sarcasm in the title of this article.
But, it’s those people like the guy in the picture that seem to fondling the vanity of the so-called wealthy.
Shame on you all!!!
Report thisBy mrfreeze, April 13, 2012 at 7:46 am Link to this comment
thethirdman - Your comment:
“Are you a 14 year old boy who just wet himself over his first Ayn Rand novel?”
Brilliant: You just described a whole generation of “mis-educated” Americans (all who grew up during the 1980’s during “morning in America”) whose minds are full of “trickle-down” and “drowning government in the bathtub” bumper sticker philosophy. They are insufferable human beings and, unfortunately, they vote…....
I would like to also say this: In spite of all the back-slapping that Americans do about our “generosity” in the world, Americans have become an incredibly self-deceiving culture. Allow me to cut and paste some main terms that apply to what underlies our fake sense of generosity: avaricious, greedy, penurious, sordid, covetous, miserly, parsimonious, rapacious, stingy.
Our generosity has become “conditional.” Even the Gates Foundation runs it’s philanthropy empire as if the world’s problems must “hold themselves accountable.” It’s all a big giant quid pro quo…................“be poor our way, get in line, maybe help is on the way…..
Report thisBy thethirdman, April 13, 2012 at 12:13 am Link to this comment
@ louiss123
Your counter examples to systemic racism and poverty are Ray Charles and Oprah?
I think we are done here. Thanks for playing.
Are you a 14 year old boy who just wet himself over his first Ayn Rand novel?
Report thisBy ReadingJones, April 12, 2012 at 8:04 pm Link to this comment
Lilith
Most of the profits from being in politics (at least
for the corrupt ones) are in the underground economy.
For example voting for favors for a particular
industry
carries an implicit promise of favors in return such
as a very highly paid executive position post
political career or a partnership in a lobbying firm.
It is sort of like the Mafia used to be—when the
boss helps you out at some time he will expect a
favor in return.
One caveat, not all politicians are corrupt and most
Report thiswho are are not crooked all the time. They genuinely
like helping people when they can. Big money and big
pressure are still going to win whenever the matter
is important to them.
By louiss123, April 12, 2012 at 7:55 pm Link to this comment
I think I am in the right place.though a lot of assumptions get thrown around
on here..and lilith? Thank you.
Thirdman,,FYI, I used to assist the Christic Inst. in the 80’s when we would
bring Howard Zinn to town(Santa Cruz). I used to pass his books out for gifts,
Howard is and will always be one of my favorites.
Human perception, can be our ally, or our enemy. If we think we are less than,
then we are. I have always leaned to a libertarian model, vs. an authoritarian
style of government. I believe, perhaps wrongly, that most people will do a darn
good job running their own life, making their own decisions. And, if the
government would get out of the way and let them keep more of what they
earn, people will surprise themselves. The listening here at TD, seems to be
quite left, liberal, whatever you want to call it. All I know is most of my friends
voted for Obama, and many feel so taken. Look who the young kids are excited
about, Ron Paul. I laughing say,,when us old suckers die off, the message of
liberty, might just gain traction.
Lilith, I am a white male. I am not under any illusion that I am lucky and have
more opportunities. The main thing is this..a black kid with loving supportive
parents..has it better than a white kids with mean non-supportive parents.
Why? The power of the subconscious mind. Look at Ray Charles, when he went
blind his Mother never let him hold the thought that he was less just because
he was blind. Oprah? Yeah, she has a real low self esteem-ha! There are so
many examples of black people who refuse to be the victim. The founder of
Enterprise rentacar? Black guy. So in a way,,we become what we think.
I could go on and on about powerful people who hold powerful thoughts in
their heads,,black, white, male, female. Why? because thats where I put my
FOCUS. If you focus on the perception of unfairness, being a victim, evil white
people, tea party a—holes, ...guess what will show up in your life? Yes..those
things…
My parting thought is this,,we have more in common than not. If we all become
united on one thing..say no more war? Then we become unstoppable.
Good luck y’all…Louis
Report thisBy Lilith, April 12, 2012 at 2:30 pm Link to this comment
I am permanently disabled with a progressive and deteriorating genetic disease, yet after reading this article I am more at peace with my own situation in regards to how much my future and fate is in the hands of people like this who run the government and the benefit programs that I am on that let me live independently without starving and living on the streets. NOT because I have faith in them, just the opposite, but I no longer feel that they are deliberately and consciously out to hurt people like me for some unknowable reason. Now I truly understand that it is simply mindless greed, and nothing personal. To them I and those like me do not even enter the picture or their feelings, good or bad. We are just in the way, expendable, and politically expedient.
Why easier for me? Because by understanding them better I (we) can focus our energies in the right and most productive areas: Their own pocket books, not their emotions and humanity. First thing on the agenda: Take away all benefits for being in office if you have income and assets equaling or are more then they earn in office. Make them apply and first be found financially eligible, just like the rest of us have to. Same for health care. They have to pay for some or all from their own incomes if they make to much money from ANY source (i.e. assets like capital gains). Make being in politics a non-profit job.
Report thisBy Lilith, April 12, 2012 at 1:56 pm Link to this comment
@bpawk I understand completely, yet for celebrities it is a “damned if the do and a damned if they don’t”. If you agree with them, then you love that they are speaking out, if you do not, then the critics why we should listen to them, they are JUST actors and sports people, not people who really understand the issues, just people with personal opinions. And in the end that is really all they are. Being famous for doing something does not make you wise or smart, just mostly lucky.
Report thisBy Lilith, April 12, 2012 at 1:50 pm Link to this comment
@louiss123 thank you for your input, and with grace. I greatly appreciate that in this type of communication.
I agree with most of what you just wrote, and I would like to add that stating facts about the reality of one’s life, the economy, and so forth is not “whining”, it is just saying how it is for many, not all, but many people.
I do not know if you are male or female, white or non-white, but if you are white and male I can tell you right now that you most likely have not experienced the world the way the rest of us have. White males in this country do not notice the difference, just like fish do not notice the water they swim in. But a study should that any group the is dominate in a situation begins to feel that they are being over run and have become the minority (by observation only, not counting) when the “others” are actually only at 25% of the group. Suddenly they start screaming for their rights, whining, and so forth, about how hard it is now because of the others who seem to get more preference (in their eyes, not reality) then them, JUST LIKE THE PEOPLE THEY CLAIMED were whiners, lazy and living off the state and so forth. I have seen it happen over and over again. Usually I just look at them and say “Welcome to my world, the real world.”
Report thisBy jr., April 12, 2012 at 10:48 am Link to this comment
READ MORE:
http://rt.com/news/libya-all-about-oil-818/
Report thisBy bpawk, April 12, 2012 at 9:11 am Link to this comment
Where are all the rich celebrities that expect us fans to worship them every time they plug a movie or partake in a ball game - why don’t they speak out for their fans about the injustices and unfairness of tax laws and lack of jobs. Where are they - they splash themselves all over the TV and talk shows asking us to pay good money just to see them in some stupid movie or ball game - why don’t they put their mouth and money into real issues that help their fans? I guess the rich breathe a different air when it suits them. Or maybe we should go to Malawi and get adopted by a celebrity.
Report thisBy thethirdman, April 12, 2012 at 8:13 am Link to this comment
Hey Louiss123,
Report thisI think you are on the wrong site. You will not get much traction here. If your
objective really is to learn about how our society and economics work, start at the
beginning with a book like Zinn’s “A People’s History of the United States.” I would
be happy to recommend countless others from there.
By balkas, April 12, 2012 at 7:32 am Link to this comment
cruelty of any person who makes even 3 times more money than a cleaning person
Report thisand not just cruelty of the rich.
one can get rich only by stealing ‘legally’ or illegally. there is no other way!
what u have in US is mafia rule; that’s the problem!
By louiss123, April 12, 2012 at 5:06 am Link to this comment
I come from here,,not from a rah-rah self help book,, but from a mindset. I give
Report thisto every homeless person who asks,,not because I feel sorry for them,,but
because, it is prosperity consciousness. You have to give to get, with health or
wealth.
I realize this is not a very left wing concept.
I will be wealthy,,in all areas,,because I want to give more, and experience life
fully. So..I can do one of two things. Complain, blame the tea party, and
religious nuts etc.
Or, take full responsibility, for every freakin area of my life. It is hard work let
me tell you. Its a full time job to catch your self complaining or making
excuses.
You all have it in you to be wealthy. Learn, adjust, create…make more money so
you can give more.
and remember
quit whining….
By waytoomanybottlesofrum, April 11, 2012 at 11:38 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
A few years ago, I was pulling out of a parking lot onto a road with a speed limit of 40 mph. I had to wait for a line of cars to pass before I could make a right turn and merge on to the road. After the line of cars passed, the road was clear. Except for a sports car in the distance, coming down the road, probably traveling some thirty mph over the speed limit. If he were going the speed limit, I could easily have gone.
I wouldn’t have been able to get on the road because of this jackass’s inconsiderate and dangerous behavior. I was in a mood anyway, so I didn’t do what most people would have. I turned on to the road anyway, accelerated rather quickly, and figured this guy in the sports car will just have to slow down.
He didn’t slow down much, and by the time I had accelerated to about 45 mph he was right on my bumper - maybe a foot away at most. I had to speed up to about fifty mph to feel a little safer. I looked in the rearview mirror and he was irate, obviously yelling and thrashing his hands about. So I decided to teach him a lesson.
I floored the brakes. My car decelerated to zero in a few seconds, I almost flew off the road. And so did he! The tires were screeching, and I could easily have sent him on a vacation through his windshield. But there wasn’t a collision.
After both of our cars stopped, I simply accelerated and went on my way. When I was perhaps a thousand feet ahead of him, I looked in my mirror and saw his car still just sitting, stopped, in the road. I must have freaked him out good. He maybe saw his life flash before his eyes.
I bet he’ll think twice about driving like an asshole again.
Report thisBy Lilith, April 11, 2012 at 10:05 pm Link to this comment
@louiss123 .... sigh ... like many, if not most Americans, your statement falls into the mythic trap of “anyone can be rich and everyone can be”, and if they are not, then they are not trying hard enough and thus are obviously self induced failures.
The most glaring fallacy of this myth is the assumption that if “everyone” could be rich and/or the owner of their own business, then all would be solved. Never is it ever mentioned where and how the raw materials and the manufactured items, that these “rich successful entrepreneurs” sell, will come from. Out of the blue air, I suppose. Someone has to collect the raw materiels, or grow them, then others have to ship and transport them, then others have to manufacture them, so that in the end the business owner can sell them, via salespersons, delivery people, store managers and the like. To imply that these very same people are settling for victim-hood rather than success, is not only to insult and disrespect them and their very imported and necessary contributions to society, but shows that those who hold this myth know nothing about how to be a real entrepreneur, not how being financially rich really operates.
Report thisBy Lilith, April 11, 2012 at 9:50 pm Link to this comment
For the past ten years I have been “Busking” during Christmas by singing Christmas Carols in front of stories while in my 3-wheeled scooter wheelchair. I can tell you this: the poorer the person, the bigger and more often given the tip. It was suggested one time that I go to the next town, where the people are mostly middle and upper class and that I would get better tips. Just opposite. Not only did I get less than half the amount in tips, people tried so hard to not look at me or notice me that several ran right into me, as well being elbowed, jostled, and pushed, things that have never before or since happened to me.
And before any of you make any wise cracks, yes I am a delightful singer, I get many awed comments about my singing, and invited to be a soloist in many, many choirs.
Report thisBy ReadingJones, April 11, 2012 at 9:25 pm Link to this comment
Louis 123 I think you got your number wrong. It should
Report thishave been 14.
By louiss123, April 11, 2012 at 6:12 pm Link to this comment
Its 2012 and we are still trying to go here? Money is an inanimate object. It by
Report thisitself does not make people bad or greedy. It just magnifies the kind of person
they already are. There are many mean spirited liberals, heaven forbid they win
the lottery.
The most spiritual, evolved thing to do,,is all you people…create wealth! Do
not rely on the freakin government to “take care of you”. Become
entrepreneurial, find an area of service, or a product that the world would
benefit from. Quit making excuses for your life!
We can either come from a mindset of abundance..or lack. I mean in all areas,
health, success, happiness etc. Being against wealth is like being against health.
You can’t be poor health wise to make others more healthy.
Quit whining, take charge, dont make excuses and make your life work..then
you can give even more to all your causes.
Life is too short to be a victim…...
By mrfreeze, April 11, 2012 at 2:48 pm Link to this comment
Here’s a term that pretty much embodies the utter and total uselessness of trying to “humanize” the wealthy:
“compassionate conservative”
Orwell would be proud….......
Report thisBy EmileZ, April 11, 2012 at 2:41 pm Link to this comment
“In addition, their heart rates slowed down while watching the cancer video—a response that is associated with paying greater attention to the feelings and motivations of others.”
This makes a lot of sense.
Also, I don’t know what the vehicle of choice for aggresive drivers is these days, but throughout the nineties and a little beyond, I can say with confidence that is was a black BMW.
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