On: Among a certain set, counterfeit luxury bags may be more popular real ones

[dismantlethesun]

Yes and they earned it through gainful employment thereby theoretically contributing the same or more to society…

[alephnan → dismantlethesun]

First, you're assuming all employment is unilaterally contributing to society.

Second, you're assuming people whose income isn't from employment aren't subject to taxes.

Third, you're assuming consumption is not contributing to society.

Fourth, how do you propose wealthy people redistribute to the masses ?

Five, you're assuming wealth is unproductive. Should wealthy people just hoard their wealth in cash and gold instead of income generating assets?

[dismantlethesun → alephnan]

I think you may be assuming that I am arguing against people buying handbags. I am not. If it’s your money, spend it as you wish. Morally speaking society should only make sure that you didn’t earn money through harmful activities (e.g mafia dons), but it shouldn’t regulate regular spending on luxury goods.

[nicoburns → dismantlethesun]

I agree that society shouldn't regulate what people spend their money on, but I'd argue it ought to limit the amount of money that any one individual can accrue.

[peyton → nicoburns]

People will seek positions of power and use “favors” as currency instead.

[nicoburns → peyton]

Of course some will try to do this (not everyone). The aim is to limit their ability to do so. And one doesn't have to succeed entirely for it to be worth the effort.

[RugnirViking → alephnan]

What a bizzare and combatative comment. Chill out.

You seem to be arguing against something the GP didnt actually say.