Myths/complaints about economic disparity are just greed

Claim

Attempts to discuss growing economic disparity are frequently dismissed as "envy", "jealousy", or "greed".

Examples

• 2015-01-21 Google+ user sty0pa's comment accusing Democrats of "constantly raising class warfare and envy"

The claim on this page needs more explanation and/or sources. More examples are needed.

Reality

One or more statements on this page need to be checked for accuracy and provided with sources if correct.

• Ascribing a venal motive to a particular position is not a logical argument against that position; it does not address the content, but instead relies on the logical fallacy of guilt by association.
• Many of the arguments against economic disparity come from those who are arguing on behalf of others, and do not themselves need more; a few are in fact very wealthy individuals who would be among those who would be taxed more, so they can hardly be accused of wanting more for themselves:
  • Nick Hanauer
  • Warren Buffett
• There are legitimate, objective reasons to believe that too much economic disparity poses a serious problem for any society that values egalitarianism (high amounts of individual freedom for all), and that the United States has clearly passed this point:
  • The wealthy now effectively control elections, instead of elections being decided more or less equally (one vote per adult citizen), via their ownership of the media and their ability to create and broadcast convincing propaganda.
  • Many people are lacking in basic human needs such as adequate nutrition, housing, education, and medical care. We have more than enough resources to meet these needs, but the wealthiest are hoarding them.