Re: Friedman's Folly

On Fri, 16 May 2008 13:04:11 +0530, "John Galt"
<whoisjohngalt@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

>> I"ve been around some of the richest most powerful people in the
>> country and I can tell you most certainly that is not true.
>
>Granted. I completely agree that once the necessities and the little 
>luxuries, such as those piano lessons, are covered, money doesn't buy you

>squat in the way of emotional happiness.


Some of the happiest people I've met were impoverished Costa Ricans.
But they had national health care so virtually all had their health.
They had universal education so virtually all had basic education.
Safety nets removed the most severe want. They found real joy in life
and community in ways most Americans would envy.

Happiness comes from community.  The sad fact of America is money is
destroying community. People buy TVs, home theaters, and cacoon
themselves away, too many not even knowing their neighbors. And then
they watch Oprah, Dr. Phil and get therapy because their lives are
"empty" and lack "meaning".