Quote Originally Posted by Trimm Trab View Post
Surely you can see that this isn't true? I have an acquaintance who was doing very well for himself as a result of his hard work and application of common sense, but due to no fault of his own (and due very much to a drunk driver), he is now incapable of carrying out his trade, is totally reliant on state aid, and is a shadow of the person he once was. By saying that you can't fail if you work hard and use common sense you imply that there's no such thing as bad luck. Are you therefore implying that this person's predicament is somehow his own fault?

As for your statement that 'the idea that all people not so well off have bad luck is nonsense'; I agree, and I'm sure Guick does too. You're misrepresenting Guick's position to make it seem weaker, and then refuting that misrepresented position. You haven't actually addressed his original argument at all. It's called a straw man argument and it's no way to win a debate!

I should make it clear that I'm not a rabid anti-capitalist; I believe Smith's invisible hand does have a role to play in the organisation of people and capital, but also that it should not operate unchecked by the state. Our positions on this aren't totally opposed, but I don't think we'll ever agree either!
Your friend shouldn't be able to claim off the state Trimm.Did I drive into your friend?Did Rodders drive into him?No,a drunk drove into him.Therefore the drunk is responsible.

This is all becoming clear.What all statists really hate is justice.They want to hold everyone else apart from the villain guilty.They want to burden some in society with the choices made by others.Punish the innocent ones eh.We're all in it together,some more than others!