Quote Originally Posted by ermitonto
Right, everyone has to contribute, but when I do not own the means of production the only way I can contribute is by being exploited by someone who does, and that exploitation is protected by the military and police of the State. And if there aren't enough jobs to go around, even if it isn't their fault, a portion of the population is forced into unemployment and hence starvation. Under capitalism, more grain is deliberately destroyed annually to inflate prices (and hence profits for corporations) than could solve the famine crisis in Africa, just because the economy is based on competition and profit-making rather than actually meeting the needs of the populace. Why is "from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs" so objectionable?
I live in a state where there is a large Hmong population. I can recall after the first year of being here they rented some fields on the outside of town visible from the highway. Hotter than hell outside they worked the fields by hand, old school! At the end of the season they sold all the goods. Not looking for a hand out but looking to be self supportive.
I've spoke to a few that were my neighbors. The father told me that in their community if a person was in need of lets say a refrigerator. A collection was taken within their community and the person would have his fridge.
Working together, doing jobs that some would feel is beneath them. What is more beneath a person than being homeless and starving?

Why is "from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs" so objectionable
Thats easy. Some people are just born lazy! Why should the government or private sector be responsible for someone of this mind frame? If your speaking of someone that CAN'T work do to physical impairments I'm with you 100%. But if at all possible, give the person a feeling of self worth. Even if all they can do is answer a phone and direct a call.