Some questions on investing in index funds with a Roth IRA

[jIM_Ohio]

steve- read my next sentance for the context. I will pay my share, but anyone which suggests the rate of my share which needs to increase for "redistribution" to others is not going to get my vote.

Government should provide defense for it's citizens, education for it's kids and some basic infrastructure (fire, police, healthcare). I do not like seeing the numerous wasted efforts by national, state and local governments... to point where I do not want to here it's OK to raise taxes on top 25% on income earners (so we can continue to hand out/ redistribute the money to people abusing the system of welfare and unemployment).

[Aleta]

In the beginning, our government was established to protect us from foreign invaders not to do for us what we are not willing to do for ourselves. That was where we had many religious organizations that was taking care of feeding and clothing the poor. Then, the people up there found out that they could secure votes by giving out give-away-programs. Our government was never meant to work as it does now and if you get a population getting too many benefits for free, it becomes a drain on our economy and these are the same people that can vote.

[sweeps]

In the beginning, our government was established to protect us from foreign invaders not to do for us what we are not willing to do for ourselves. That was where we had many religious organizations that was taking care of feeding and clothing the poor.

With all due respect to those who make this argument, the world is a lot different now than it was 230 years ago. People were very disconnected based on today's standards and public policy could afford to be very lax. Now populations are very dense and we are very connected, not just locally but nationally and internationally. This has necessitated different ways of governing.

Religious organizations at some level have their agendas and can't really be trusted to handle the needs of the people at large.

[Aleta]

Sweeps: The last time that I donated to Katrina, and I donated a lot, I found out that much of that money never reached the intended people. I did donate to places like Samaritans Purse and the Salvation Army and know that Samaritan's Purse has accountability with outside auditors. Anytime the government gets its hands on anything, it ruins it.

I'm not for people getting help. I think that's what emergencies are - temporary help. It was never intended for people to make a living out of it, that's my point. And as you say with us being so connected, it should be easier to reach others.