Redistribute!

Romney is Wall Street's Worst Bet Since the Ben on Subprime

Obama's Economic Philosophy in 8 Charts

There are two posts on Wonkblog that basically argue the same thing, and I think non-Democrats can learn from this perspective.  I know it's got me thinking about what's making the other side tick.

Basically they're pointing out that the distribution of wealth is becoming less equal than before, and Obama and the Liberals task is to keep things more even.  That's really their driving force, and it amounts to being very pro-redistribution.  They even broadly acknowledge that this is because of economic forces, not political deal-making, that it's a problem whose source is uncontrollable.

What they don't do, as far as I can see, is explain why income equality is a bad thing in and of itself.  I would propose that we ensure that everyone's basic needs are met and try to do so in a way that protects people who need protection without trapping them at the bottom of the income distribution or benefitting people who don't need that help.

If people need help, then by all means, we should provide it, but if the only problem is that some people have way more money than others even though no one's in need, why does that call for redistribution?