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Also, and how many times do I need to tell you that people who drive don't get subsidized by those who don't ... Actually, the inverse is true. People who drive make the economy what is it (and even 'bad' it's still pretty big) and generate the tax revenues that help subsidize rail and other modes of transport for those who don't drive.

If your definition of "subsidy" includes any activity that involves spending that contributes to taxes, then you need to find some other word to convey your ideas, and make that distinction clear.

For example, "Drivers subsidize walkers" under this definition is 100% true. So is "Pet lizards subsidize movie theaters" - because the taxes on heat lamps definitely have some fractional contribution to alternative energy spending, which works to reduce the cost of the electricity powering their projectors. "My feces subsidize your popcorn" by employing sewage industry workers who have their income taxed, part of which goes directly to agribusiness. "The color blue subsidizes the word disestablishmentarianism" - Blue clothes are bought, taxes are collected, education budgets are written, dictionaries are mandated.

Find a new word for what you're implying rather than repurposing words to make anyone you're arguing with wrong.

That is, if your desire is for meaningful debate. I'm not sure that it is.

by Squalish on Nov 26, 2008 11:33 pm • link • report