A while back I read about a woman whose college professor had told her not to give to charity. His reasoning?
It’s the government’s job.I wonder, would the good professor maintain this perspective were he stuck by the side of a lonely road on a wintery night without cell phone service? Well, I suppose that’s when Situational Values Man comes to the rescue.
Read the rest here.
I agree, we certainly don’t want the government involved in the charity business!
If I was in need of charity, I would much rather be left to “the kindness of others” than some government program. Our society has proven so caring in the past. The Katrina disaster and the barn building scene in Witness come to mind.
And there is a benefit for the giver as well. Just as long as that giving isn’t a product of taxation. After all, “when we give, we enjoy that almost ineffable, soul-enriching experience of showing love to another.”
But, we should have the liberty to decide where our charity is going, shouldn’t we. I don’t want any of my charity dollars supporting abortion, drug users, homosexuals or the worst of the lot…the congenitally lazy (and we all know who they are.)
Charity is best left to the community not the government. A sermon goes well with supper even if you just want the soup. You know Selwyn; I’m beginning to think that you’re just a goof.
Posted by: Larrry Rivera | February 27, 2010 at 12:11 PM
I agree with you up to a point. Yes, government bureaucracy can be highly inefficient. But America can't afford to go in the opposite directiom, as many conservatives would like it to do, and eliminate all government programs to help those in need,or down on their luck.
That wouldn't be any better,if not worse.
Private charities are a good thing, and I'm all for them. But they can only do so much. It's absolutely impossible for them to provide for every one in need.The government has to do something,or many unfortunate people will be absolutely helpless in the face of adversity.
It can't just sit there on its massive poserior and do nothing.
The welfare system is managed very badly, and does not make it possible for people on it to escape their bad circumstances.
But to just end welfare all of a sudden would be catastrophic. Saying that conservatives give more to charities than liberals is nothing but a cop out.It doesn't prove anything, and doesn't mean that conservatives have better ideas on how to decrease poverty and increase general prosperity in America.
If they did,I'd be all for their methods.
But they don't, and won't. And I doubt very much that if a conservative republican wins the presidency in 2112 that he or she will be any better for America than Obama.
And the leftist professor you mentioned who was against private charities is not typical of liberals in general. They're not opposed to private charities, they just realize that they're not enough.
Posted by: Robert Berger | February 28, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Hey Selwyn…
I’m sort of embarrassed about this. But, the fact is I’ve run into a couple of unexpected bills lately and could use about 5k to get me right again.
You willing to help out with that; being as how you feel that charity should be on a one-to-one basis with no cold, detached, government intermediary stepping into the mix?
Come on… I’m sure an entrepreneur like you could afford it. You could watch the utter delight in my eyes when you fork it over. And feel the love radiate across and even dissolve the political lines that have divided us before your generosity took hold.
Look Selwyn, I know I’m asking for hand out. But, unlike some, I didn’t get a bonus this year. And, as you well know, times are tough. I’d ask Keith Olbermann, but you know how stingy those liberals are.
Thanks man, you’re a brother…Humbly,
Larry
Posted by: Larrry Rivera | February 28, 2010 at 01:20 PM
Shame on both Robert and Larry for completely missing the point, of which Selwyn Duke substantiated by actual facts.
Larry, you are not funny. Not in these circles. And Robert, you continue to declare as fact that which you "feel". None of your claims pass the smell test of actual and factual evidence. Don't you get tired of always being so very wrong? Read the article again before you reply with more of your utter nonsense.
Posted by: Philip France | March 01, 2010 at 12:07 AM
Amen, to that.
Posted by: Whitey Lawful | March 01, 2010 at 01:22 AM
It is amazing to me how some people "just don't get it". I don't believe this article is saying to do away with government programs but it is saying that more liberals should start doing charity. If more people did, then the need for government programs would certainly go down. Why should doing charitable things be punished? Like the woman taking care of those kids. If this country could get back to a "barter" way of life, when all those would just help others and it was returned in kind, this world would be a better place. No one would be out anything. I would feed a homeless and hungry person and they could do a little work for me.
I wish more would have this mindset and people could just get back to HONESTY. I think I was born in the wrong era. I would love it if we could get back to helping our neighbors.
Posted by: Barbara Christlieb | March 01, 2010 at 04:06 PM