Reply #17: Here are some of my ideas as to what this would measure.... [View All]

This experiment was designed to measure what people consider to be a 'sacrifice.' (It does not matter whether the alternative is a homeless family, or any other worthwhile humanitarian cause like children's cancer research, famine relief, etc. What is important is that the alternative is considered to be a worthwhile cause.)

In this fact scenario, none of the decisionmakers 'earned' anything. They were offered a choice over how to dispose of a 'gift.'

The offer of $10 is often considered an 'insignificant amount' and most people do not exert substantial ownership rights over disposal of property they consider 'insignificant.'

The offer of $100 is often considered a 'significant amount' and most people do exert substantial owership rights over disposal of property they consider 'significant.'

In both cases, regardless of the amount of money offered to the decisionmaker($10 or $100) the homeless family would receive exactly the same amount($100).

For those who believe that contributing to worthwhile causes is important, it is a question of what 'sacrifice' they are willing to make to help others in need.

These results might make it easier to understand the differences between Democrats, Progressives & Republicans when it comes to tax cuts and tax credits.

Tax cuts and tax credits are not earned, they are given out by our Government.

Essentially everyone is asked to contribute a significant amount in federal, state, and local taxes each year. How will we ask Government is to distribute these assets?

In the experiment proposed, the Government makes the offer to each one of us, and we decide how the money is to be distributed. What is the level of 'sacrifice' we are willing to make to help others in need?

Can we draw a conclusion as to how Democratic, Progressive and Republican political platforms would influence the choices of the decisionmakers?