ZERO SUM THINKING
IN ORDER TO GET MORE I MUST TAKE FROM SOMEONE ELSE
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SPLIT THE PIE OR GROW THE PIE
We can think in terms of how to split a pie up - and of course we will fight for having an equal slice with all of our competitors (siblings, etc.).
The smart people, however, realize that it is more workable to work at increasing the size of the pie, rather than fighting over the proportion of the pieces.
"NO INSIGHT" LEADS TO ZERO-SUM
The mentality of criminals is zero sum - I must take from others to get mine. Sure the criminals will have needs, but we aren't questioning the needs, but the strategy to fill them. Terrorists have the same view, even taking lives indiscriminately - and getting less of what they ultimately want in terms of effect on the world. The wars in many countries are over scarce resources, which they fight about - and ironically end up destroying many of the resources! All these are due to "unsmart" strategies and lack of true insight.
It is true that unless a person sees a way of winning by increasing the size of the pie, he will play win-lose (I win, you lose) - and, in politics and life, he will call the other side names or stick on other labels, further alienating the other side, making everybody lose even more! He will not see the alternative: the game where everybody wins, one that is called win-win, where we seek to exchange with each other in such a way that one gives up something one values less to get something that one values more and the same tradeoff is achieved for the other person. Both "gain" some net value out of the transaction. This is all based on a foundation of providing value, which is a basic tenet of all that causes a bigger pie (in terms of value).
IT'S NOT ABOUT "REDISTRIBUTION" BUT ABOUT WORKABILITY
Although some people who believe in "redistribution" will acknowledge the importance of capitalism and the rich as providers for others, but in doing so they may do damage. Overt taxation has some trade-offs but it is probably the best means of assuring that there is a "safety net" for all citizens (and legal residents). As a nation, we are committed to that. But failure to acknowledge the effect of having the right incentives and how they will increase the size of the pie is a 'crime' - not of intent, but of ignorance and the failure to rationally consider trade-offs.
If you read the piece on Socialism and its results, you will get the idea of what has actually happened in real life and how the failure to use basic human psychological realities. Socialism is well-intended, but can be taken to naive extremes that are harmful. It is not bad by nature (in its intent) but is simply non-workable - and harmful. This is not a "morality" play or a political plan, but a conclusion based on reality and facts - which we want to use if we are to come to good workable conclusions. The conclusion about socialism does not mean that the intent of socialism is wrong, as the intent to help other people and to not have them suffer surely is a good one, one that is indisputable, I think, and a totally objective conclusion.
THE KEY IS TO GROW THE PIE
