I thought the libertarians might appreciate these comments from St. John Chrysostom. Here he is commenting on redistribution from the rich to the poor as well as about how we are forbidden to correct the stumbling of sinners by force aka moral police and drug laws. See below. Isn't it interesting how relevant these values from the 4th and 5th centuries are to society today.
And isn't his comment prophetic about how forced taking from the rich results in those with "cruel hearts and sharp minds...soon find ways of making themselves rich" from the situation. We have to look no further than our corporatist / military / prison industrial system to find vast armies of government-funded employees making twice what the average citizen makes.
Yes, it is interesting how current these writings sound! I wasn't aware the debate about redistribution of wealth was as sharp as that fifteen hundred years ago. Thanks for sharing.
One aside, though. Judging by my experience doing Pride Booth, I have come to believe there comes a turning point somewhere where the gift by force becomes a perception of gift by choice. Oh have we at the Booth been lambasted for not understanding that it is a duty to pay taxes as an efficient way of helping the less fortunate! Also, as a long-time payroll service provider, taking and forwarding to the government thousands and thousands of dollars from employees' paychecks, not once have a heard an employee complain about the assault on their hard earned wages. Just a thought that occurred to me. I will still print and keep the sayings of the good Saint!