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For myself vs for others

For example... when we consider the taxes we pay to government entities.. we think about what is the benefit, who benefits, what do I get and other things, too.

I think Public Education is a good for all. An all-societal good!  Public Health is also such a good as the Judicial System (all parts) and Defense and other things are other important all-societal goods. 

For Public Education there will be a vote soon in my town on a parcel tax to help bring salaries of teachers into line with other localities, AND their importance, too.... I hope. In any case a friend and I were talking about this and I noted I am 65 years old and will not have to pay that tax. My friend wondered if I had a right to vote on this matter since it will cost me nothing.

Interesting point and significant as voting on this matter is done.

People my age may not have, in this town and taxing area, any children or grandchildren in the schools. Such a person would get no direct and clear benefit from having the schools getting more funds. Why should such a person pay for a benefit they don't easily see. 

For younger people with children or grandchildren in our schools they are likely to vote so the schools of their children will get more funds to use well. 

In both cases above people decide either for their own specific good or for the community good of well funded schools, and do elderly people who will not pay the tax vote for it for the sake of grandchildren, and will young people vote against the bill hoping either funding will come from somewhere else or the money personally saved will fund special goods for their own "special" children?

Lots of possibilities to base one's vote. Taking or not taking into consideration that a well-educated community is a good thing and all benefit from education! Hmmm... sell this idea !!!! 

For myself or for others is the title of this post. A mix of self concern with concerns for others is a middle, third way and one I hope you will consider.


© Ken Firestein - 2020

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