Many are so worried about the economy that they forget about saving their souls. Many worry too much: “We’re going broke!” Understanding one thing helps you explain what’s going on to worried friends about where the money comes from.
Catholic Fundamentalism realizes there is a one word answer to “Where does all that money come from?” Money comes from Productivity.
The more productive that people are, the more money there is. A hundred and fifty years ago, nine out of every ten people worked to produce food. Now, it takes two out of every hundred people to produce all the food we need.
Productivity is so incredibly increased by modern technology that food is produced, packaged, and distributed so cheaply that it is given away, free, to dozens of millions who receive “food stamps” at no cost to them! Those who receive free food through food stamps may be seen as “unemployed farmers”, or as “farmers who have been set free from the hard work of farming”.
Once, it took a person over three months to get from New York to California. Now, it takes a little over three hours. Lots of time is saved. Once a barrel of oil cost 120.00. Now, with automation, it costs 35.00.
At the same time, trillions are spent on various “Programs”. “Programs” exist to buy votes. Thousands of “Programs” provide nearly free housing, heat, electricity, medical care, cell phones, psychological counseling, transportation, drugs, education, roads, public safety, recreation, water, and sewage.
Every day, fewer workers are needed to provide those goods and services. As goods and services cost less, there is value left on the table.
Governments have the power to seize the value provided by automation, convert it into money, and spend it on Programs to buy votes. They do not tax to pay for the programs. The process of automation has also automated tax collection. “Last year, the nation produced 5% more in goods and services than the prior year with the same number of workers. So, the National Debt can increase by another trillion dollars. Speed up the printing presses! Pump another trillion into the economy!”
So, they do.
The money could, of course, be given directly to taxpayers. That would lessen dependence on the Programs, encourage taxpayers to be independent thinkers taking responsibility for their actions, and make re-election difficult. To keep voters dependent on them, the money is distributed through Programs.
Everyone who understands where the money comes from knows there’s nothing to worry about as long as we let thinkers keep on thinking.
