My main topic is addressing the past failures of wealth
redistribution policies in history in an effort to guide public opinion away
from the contemporary drive to implement these same policies. The topic of
wealth redistribution is very relevant in today’s world, where many politicians
appeal to the working class by promising government help furnished through the
increased taxation of the rich. Many in today’s society favor an activist
government, a government that “levels the playing field” at the expense of the
wealthy. I oppose wealth redistribution policies because I do not want my
posterity and the future inhabitants of this nation to retrogress in
prosperity, and I do not want the United States of America to decline.
Historical Component
For my historical component, I plan on using specific examples
of countries throughout history that have implemented wealth redistribution
policies, and I plan on illustrating why these policies failed. I plan on
discussing the current situation in Venezuela, where wealth redistribution
policies in the socialist framework have led to mass violence, corruption, and
shortages. I plan to show that the debate on wealth redistribution is really a
debate between capitalism and aspects of Marxism. For sources, I plan on using credible
news articles and primary sources detailing the effects of wealth
redistribution policies, such as news articles about the situations in Venezuela
and The Gulag Archipelago.
Rhetorical Component
My Refined Thesis Statement: Unlike leading to prosperity, wealth
redistribution policies result in commodity shortages, political corruption,
and public violence.
I plan on discussing some of the rhetorical strategies that
political leaders have used to implement wealth redistribution policies.
Personal Component
For the personal component, I plan on showing the blessings
of living in the United States of America, where wealth redistribution policies
have yet remained limited in scope. My grandmother also grew up in the postwar
United Kingdom, where they had some wealth-redistributing policies, so I may ask for her experience with that.
I don't know if you've read it already or if anyone has suggested it to you, but I would highly recommend reading Andrew Carnegie's essay titled "The Gospel of Wealth." In summary, it basically says that wealthy people should be in charge of their money because they care more about how it's used and know better what to do with it. I think that would be an excellent historical source for you and it is written by a capitalist so it could add extra perspective on the issue.
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