This following article illustrates one of the major differences between conservatives and liberals:
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/204/story_20419_1.html
Ever since the New Deal, the liberal philosophy about charity has been that it begins not at home, but in Washington. As a result, many liberals tend to think that the morally neutral act of “rendering to Caesar” is sufficient to alleviate suffering. I remember talking to my liberal brother about this. His response was classic: “I do my share. I pay my taxes.”
The problem with this attitude is that it depersonalizes the entire process. One of the benefits of person-to-person charity is that relationships are formed and people are transformed – both the benefactor and the recipient. Throwing money at the problem does nothing to change lives.
The political payback of governmental charity is that it has been an effective way of buying votes. The Democrats learned this early on, and in more recent years the Republicans tried doing the same thing. Unfortunately for the GOP, the conservative base is not that easily bought off.
Another problem with coerced charity is that it has created a whole class of bureaucrats whose job security is predicated on the perpetuation of human suffering. Give a man a fish, he can eat for a day; teach a man to fish, and you’ve put the existence of the Department of Fish Distribution in jeopardy.
Lest you think I”m being too hard on liberals, I will concede that liberals can be very generous – with other peoples’ taxes.
This subject was the topic on the first hour of the MedVed show yesterday. One caller chimed in that the government way of redistribution of wealth was the right way, as no one “in need” should have to be grateful for the food housing medical ect. that they get.
This simple statement spoke volumes as to the thinking of the liberal mind. We have gone from a system where folks in need relied on the family and the charity of like minded ethnic, and/or racial brethren, that brought family and community together. A system that provided opportunity to learn a new skill or join in a family endevor, learn to speak the host nations language and culture for the good of all.
Now we see this support transformed to a system in which being cared for is a right. Where more kids and no work mean bigger pay checks and no responsibilities. A system that rewards single parent homes. A system that has devastated so many minority and increasingly majority families.
Divorce should be very difficult when children are involved. Fathers of a child should always be named prior to any assistance being offered. Mandatory birth controll should be required while on the public dole. Nothing should be free. There could be jobs esily created picking up trash on our roadsides, sorting out recyclable’s at the dump. But most of all it should not be a right, and those who do get assistance should be grateful.