Quote:
Originally Posted by evman150
This comment is worth highlighting. It strikes at a cleavage between how government and wellbeing, at least in my opinion, is perceived by voters. Personally, I wholeheartedly disagree with the sentiment. I have a young family; I have never cast a vote thinking purely about how "Party X"'s policies might benefit me personally. I vote according to my values; I want a strong, inclusive Canada which provides the best opportunity to all of its citizens. My justification for this includes that such a country will also, inevitably, benefit me and my family as well.
Myopically voting for one's personal interests, which is what (undoubtedly) many Canadians do (and is their right), is something I find curious at best and pernicious at worst.
I guess the goal with my post is to point out, at a minimum, that your statement that "everyone does what benefits them" is almost certainly wrong, and at the very least, short-sighted.
|
Context is key.
In your scenario, voting, I get your point. There has to be a ballance there. The greater good needs to have weight. But I believe personal liberty, ability to provide for yourself and family etc. in the real world will, and should never take a back seat. As you say, if I reasonably believe that favorable conditions for my own survival will exist, they should for others as well.
In the context of just moving to the US if it serves your, or anyone else's interest, i don't believe there is anything treacherous, somehow less noble, wrong or short-sighted about that at all.