Social Uplift Format

This topic is the last in the social-X series (I think).  And it's certainly the most controversial in American politics today!

The Republicans argue on the basis of the social contract that helping others should be limited, because there's no reciprocity--nothing in return.  The social contract is the idea of tit-for-tat, I do something for you and you do something for me.  And, there's penalties if the one party to the contract renigs.  Included in the topic is the idea of the dole--the true handout.  Now it may be alright to offer 'aid' to African 'backward' people from whatever motive, according to a certain line of reasoning, but it is certainly not right to offer what are regarded by Democrats as social services to people in this country.  Also included in the topic is the concept of re-distribution of wealth from the wealthy to the poor, who haven't earned it and probably will never be able to pay anything back.

Also included are the whole range of social programs including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security--in Republican parlance, programs that offer the poor financial gains they don't really deserve.  Just gifts to the 'dregs,' as Republicans I think believe in their heart of hearts.

Under this topic, aid to disaster is sometimes brought into question:  how about the nations of the world fitting the bill?  How about the government financial bailouts?  Germany is bearing the brunt of Greece's financial woes.  Is that fair?

Well, we'll look at these issues in light of the social contract principle, which admittedly is at the heart of the English tradition, adopted by the founders of the US; and the ultimate basis for dispute between Republicans and Democrats!  Ultimately, I argue, the principle is flawed because it understates the progress of today's society and the dynamics of social change toward cultural progress we are witnessing.  iPod anybody?