GREED...do you know it when you see it?

I was having an argument with a liberal buddy of mine who acts like anyone who has more than he does is greedy in some way...especially if a person owns a business and makes much more than the employees.

So when does greed start? Is it when a small business owner becomes a big business owner? Is it when you don't actually create anything or provide a service but still make a good living? Can you be in the "99%" and be greedy? Are Americans greedy because we live better than most of the world?

I'd like to hear your definitions of when greed begins and who should be labelled as a greedy person.

CritiKalbILL wrote: I was having an argument with a liberal buddy of mine who acts like anyobe who has more than he does is greedy in some way...especially if a person owns a business and makes much more than the employees.

So when does greed start? Is it when a small business owner becomes a big business owner? Is it when you don't actually create anything or provide a service but still make a good living? Can you be in the "99%" and be greedy? Are Americans greedy because we live better than most of the world?

I'd like to hear your definitions of when greed begins and who should be labelled as a greedy person.

If you are in the 99% then you are not greedy... because there is no way you could be greedy or otherwise your greed would have enabled you to obtain a place among the 1%. That's just common sense and logic. It couldn't be simpler than that.

I think many people are confused about what greed is. It's obivious that they were not paying attention in grade school- they ditched class that day, were too stoned- or just too stupid to understand.

The dictionary defines greed as "An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth."

The key words here being "more than what one needs or deserves".

The word "need" being subjective and only each individual knows what they really need- whatever somebody else "thinks they need" is irrelevant. Only you know what YOU really need, and only I know what I really need.

The other key word is "deserves". This word to me is all about what I work for. No one "deserves" that which they did not earn- no one deserves to benefit from that which they did not work for.

Too many people are confused about what the word "deserves" really means. Some people think just because they were born in America- they deserve to have the same things that people who work hard deserve- even though they have not earned it.

Some people think that just because some person earned enough money to buy a car- that they deserve to have a car.

Some people think that just because some person earned enough money to buy a big house- that they also deserve to have a big house.

Some people think that just because some person earns enough money to pay for health insurance or a good doctor- that they also deserve health insurance and a good doctor- even though they didn't earn enough money to purchase that service.

And those people- people who think they "deserve" things they did not earn- THOSE people are greedy. They are the ones who match up exactly with the definition of greed- thinking they deserve more than they have worked for and earned.

A guy who earns money isn't greedy- he worked for his money. Those who believe that anyone who has more than they do are greedy - they are wrong. These people are guilty of covetousness- a condition that results from envy.

And folks- the definition of covetousness is "Excessively and culpably desirous of the possessions of another; inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions;" I.E. "greedy".

And I especially think that those who believe that the power of government should be used to fleece the rightful earnings of hard working American's- so that those who do not work and do not earn their own can benefit from the hard work of others......

THEY are the textbook definition of "Greedy". They are the greediest people of all. And there is no limit to this type of greed- the worst kind- and it can be found all around the political left.

So the answer is YES- I know it when I see it, Greed.

BearMtnHIB wrote: I think many people are confused about what greed is. It's obivious that they were not paying attention in grade school- they ditched class that day, were too stoned- or just too stupid to understand.

[snip]

Many? They? Too Stoned? There was only ONE comment on this thread... and that was mine... and I was being sarcastic... if you didn't catch that. Who are these imaginary masses you're referring to?

The Liberals GOP Twin wrote:

BearMtnHIB wrote: I think many people are confused about what greed is. It's obivious that they were not paying attention in grade school- they ditched class that day, were too stoned- or just too stupid to understand.

[snip]

Many? They? Too Stoned? There was only ONE comment on this thread... and that was mine... and I was being sarcastic... if you didn't catch that. Who are these imaginary masses you're referring to?

Don't get yourself such a big head- I wasn't talking about you. But maybe I should re-think that.

I'd really like to know what a liberal definition of greed is, because if we go by the dictionary, 99% of us really are greedy because even people who are considered poor will buy that which they don't NEED and who is to say what anyone DESERVES.

Anyone on the left have an opinion?

My definition of greed is someone who thinks they never have enough (money, food, things, power, whatever); but in reality they will never use everything they have or get.

Two individuals that very definately fit my definition of greedy are Hitler and Stalin. Neither would have ever had enough power, whether they took over the whole world or not. And neither ever admitted their greed of power...it was their downfall.

Greedy for food? Possibly the woman, I think located in the Pacific NW, who told everyone she wanted to weigh 500 pounds (I do not remember exactly the number, but it was on the news and people were sending her money for food and food so she could reach her goal)...greedy for food...more greedy for attention.

Can't think of someone right now who I would classify as greedy for money.

If a person is never satisfied with what they have, they could be greedy.

Maybe the person who looks at others with more than he has as greedy is himself greedy?

CritiKalbILL wrote: I'd like to hear your definitions of when greed begins and who should be labelled as a greedy person.

Honestly I never give it much thought. Greed, 1%-ers, wealth. People spend way too much time worrying about it instead of improving themselves and adapting.

Stay tuned to the 2012 Obama election campaign, they will define it very clearly for the next 10 months. Only then will we be able to understand it.

Is it not true that there are those who have worked very hard for minimal pay? Or others who've never worked, but have had advantages not available to others, allowing them to profit greatly? Simply looking at one's earnings does little to define "greed".

My own opinion is greed is directly connected to appreciation and satisfaction. I am the richest man in the state!...not because of the size of my bank account, but due to what I do have - love, family, health, comfort. Does that make me greedy?

Perhaps when many lack basic necessities, while others flaunt excess, it earns the haves the label of "greedy". If we can help everyone earn their own needs, perhaps nobody would be seen as "greedy"?

Greed is whenever a person accumulates wealth but denies necessities for himself and those who depend upon him. If a person enjoys his wealth and spends it upon those around him, he does not have greed.