Is Greed Good?

[Akvod]

Rainbird said:
As Zucas said, a definition would have been nice. But I don't like greed in its basic form (get more for your personal gain), in the same way that I think the American Dream is a load of crap. Sure it has its upsides, and it certainly has benefits I would miss if I hadn't had it in the first place, but I'd be happy in a society were they had taken a backseat too. I'm a socialist and happily pay my taxes, knowing that it will help make other people's lives better. Sure, I wish the government would spend my money more efficiently, but not paying taxes isn't going to help anyone.

I'm learning and sorta agreeing (bit wary since my knowledge is limited) in counter cyclical policy. Ease government spending and raise taxing during times of expansion, and increase government spending and lower taxes during recessions.

Looking at private property with that mindset, I say that let the government do what's necessary to stabalize the economy and keep it from fluctuating so radically and then let the free market do as it pleases. So I don't see how higher taxes and higher government spending all the time is good.