I have been told that because of the wealth of this country, there is a moral obligation for “it” to “provide a floor for every citizen.” The context was healthcare, but there have also been discussions on such things as living wage, etc.
A very noble sentiment.
However, when we say “the country has an obligation”, who do we really mean?
Do we all have the same moral obligations? Do we all have the same morality?
If “we” have an obligation to “provide a floor”, do the recipients of this noble deed incur any obligations for accepting it? For example; if “we” are providing you with healthcare, do you have an obligation to stop smoking?
Further, to what extent do “we” go to force the fulfillment of these obligations on those who refuse to recognize them? Is it not an imposing morality to use the threat of force or incarceration to do so?
And looking at these obligations, what is the difference between the social contract and religious beliefs? Are the Church of the Great Society not just as fervent in their puritanism as the best Fire & Brimstone Baptist preacher?
Is this argument of moral obligations not materially the same as those claimed by organized religion?
The recent spate of confrontations in restaurants of Sanders, et al - how are they different from the public shaming of the Puritans? We’ve even heard the chants in the halls of Congress I believe- of course the ignorant fools think it originated in Game of Thrones. I am not a decent person if I disagree, or so I have been told. Who defines “decent”?
What is the difference in me forcing my religious beliefs on you and you forcing your social contract dogma on me?
Would you allow me to pass a bill taking 10% tithes off the top to fund your moral obligations as defined by the Bible? To jail you and confiscate your property? To garnish your wages in the name of The Lord?
What is a decent human being? Is it moral for others to do your killing? To pay your bills? To raise your children? Is it moral to ignore the laws of a society to which you do not belong because you want “a better life?”
Who decides? Who judges?
Is it enough I don’t steal from you or murder you or lie about you? Or does your dogma require more?
Where do these obligations come from?
Do you get to impose your morality on me?