Do Conservatives _no_ Love?
A transplanted European friend was over this weekend and somehow we got to talking about church, politics, and weather – not necessarily in that order. During our conversation, one thing he said caught my attention:
“In Europe, politics and religion are separate, but here, it is almost as if Christians are expected to be Republicans.”
As soon as he said that, I realized he’d struck a chord in me. When I lived in Colorado Springs, a town so conservative it squeaked, I felt like people thought I was a left-wing-nut. Being from the Left-Coast, it was good to move back to Oregon, but my friends outside of church, probably thought I was a right-wing-nut!
But as The Wife says, “We haven’t moved!” (Philosophically that is) However, this idea that Christians are expected to be conservative, and Republican – I’m not sure where that comes from.
“We haven’t moved!” She said.
I happen to be a registered independent, in case you’re wondering. I’m fairly moderate in my stance to most issues.
I like the “survival of the fittest” stance of the GOP; but I really like the “compassion” approach of the Democrats. But why can’t we have both? Why can’t we encourage people to strive, press on, and fight the good fight, but to look out for the people who don’t have the skills, the background, the education, or the capacity to make it in society. Face it, many people, due to genetics, the lack of effective nurturing, some vile trauma (emotional, physical, psychological, or other), or an injury (or illness), are unable to fend for themselves. Who will take care of these people?
Here are some of the arguments I hear from my conservative (No New Taxes! ) friends:
- We can’t take care of everyone
- The Church should be doing this
- Many of these people are lazy and we are just enabling them
- I already have more bills than paycheck at the end of the month
- Let them go get a job like I did
Now, while some of these arguments have some merit – and I’ve greatly simplified/generalized them – I’d like to address these here:
- Especially to my Christian friends, this is a very dispassionate stance to take. We are called to look out for others, love others as much as we love ourselves, and Jesus tells us that how we treat these “lesser” individuals, is how we treat Him.
- and many churches are doing some great things, but not enough. In fact, from what I can tell, the church is barely scratching the surface. In fact, there are many things the church should be doing, but isn’t. And there are many needs. But why would we wait for a program to materialize, when the need is here – and now.
- In fact, I can just hear Jesus unpacking the parable of the Good Samaritan a little more. Why didn’t the priest stop? Because it was someone else’s job and he was going to find out why they weren’t attending to this poor man. Why didn’t the Levite stop? Well, he was too busy serving the people in the Temple – we wouldn’t want him to miss the service now would we. Why did the Samaritan stop? Because it was the right thing to do.
- There have been times I’ve thought this. My work as a paramedic, in the inner city, exposed me to a lot of freeloading, welfare people. But I also encountered a lot of people who are in genuine need of assistance.
- If a man is born with an IQ below 80, are we not going to give him assistance, because he can’t find work? If a woman became pregnant when she was too young to know better, are we going to force her to abandon her daughter in order to complete her education, find work, and provide for herself?
- Just because some people abuse the system, are we going to withhold assistance from all poor people?
- When I read Acts 2, I see a group of people who sold all their stuff and contributed to the common good of everyone. This is what it means to love others as much as we love ourselves.
- Honestly, I struggle with this too. Even though I am unemployed and living on government assistance, I am rich compared to 99% of the world – and yet I still tend to hoard my stuff, and want more.
It is really difficult for me to listen to this lack of love and compassion. To me, it doesn’t represent Jesus. The Jesus I read about, provided food for people who were too stupid unprepared to bring food on their own. The Jesus I know, let snotty-nosed, dirty, little street kids crawl up on his lap. The Jesus I know, came to set the captives free, and forgave them for their mistakes, circumstances, and problems.
Really, seriously, if it were one of our kids, or a close family member, would we spare any expense to get them out of the situation they found themselves in?
A few years ago some friends of ours stopped to see us. They were doing medical work in Papua New Guinea. It was hard work, and from their stories, it appear as if most of their time was spent getting their truck unstuck from the mud, fixing their truck, or going into town for supplies (about a two or three-day round trip). There daughter was soon to turn 13 and they were concerned because there were no women in this area who were still virgins past that age. For some reason, the culture thought it acceptable for the men to rape, or otherwise take the virginity from any girl.
The compassion welled up inside of us and we offered to let this girl live with us until they finished their project overseas. Most of us would open our homes in the same way to friends, or their children – but why won’t we do this for strangers? Are strangers any less deserving of help?
For many, the argument is that the government fails at almost everything they take on – but this is patently false. We have one of the best highway systems in the world; clean, government-supplied, water is some of the best anywhere; and our military is second to none. Our fire departments, police departments, and schools do an amazing job of providing services to the public. And despite the gaps, our social service agencies provide much, with pretty tight budgets.
Obviously there is room for improvement. Obviously there is waste, corruption, and problems – anyone can see that. But that shouldn’t stop us from doing the right thing.
A friend recently challenged me to stop posting “Political” links on Facebook. My response was that these were not “political,” to me. They were reality . Being recently unemployed, living on food-stamps, unemployment, savings, and Medicaid has given me a new perspective of the reality of others. I have never lived this close to the edge before – in abject poverty – and struggling to keep our home.
We haven’t made a house payment in three months, and our struggles negotiations with our mortgage company continue. And yet, most of those who argue against helping the less fortunate, are pulling in six-figure incomes, drive newer cars, or otherwise live fairly comfortable lives.
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
“Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help. (Isaiah 58)”
Many of these people are otherwise good Christian people – so it really confuses me that they are so harsh with their insistence that we not establish universal health care, more job stimulus programs, or increased mortgage assistance to the families in crisis. There just seems to be little, or no, compassion for those in the trenches of reality.
Why is this? Why are Christians supposed to be social/political conservatives? Why can’t a Christian be a Democrat? Why can’t socio-political conservatives also have a compassionate (in the form of dollars and tangible assistance) attitude. Why are conservatives so intent on taking care of themselves first? Or their own families?
Why are conservative social ideologies so closely tied to political ideologies – when biblically, they seem to be so far apart?
One of my Facebook friends talks about freedom – and the guarantees of freedom as spelled out in the constitution. He says that by raising his taxes, we are stealing from him and taking away his freedom. But what about the freedom of the unemployed, the mentally ill, the physical or emotionally wounded? Who is going to guarantee their freedom?
What am I missing here?
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I am on the left side of liberal. In my life I have done my best for anyone who was willing to work as hard as I work. A lifetime watching, "pseudo-conservatives" and most recently the "facebook phonies", has prompted me to situate myself so I can live until I drop dead, without a paycheck. I would have to move a couple different stoves into the house, cut a couple holes in the roof, and scale back my heating. I am tired of these "PAYCHECK SLAVES" RANTING ABOUT THEIR CONSERVATISM AS THOUGH IT WERE DEVINELY INSPIRED INSTEAD OF RIGHT WING BRAINWASHING FOR SELFISH HUMANITY LACKING CHRISTIAN MORALITY. Without the "spit" from their masters in two weeks time they will be in the unemployment line or welfare screaming with the people they currently consider rabble. Unless a person can survive WITHOUT their job they are just "whistling conservative DIXIE" Among the people on fb I have one friend I I knew long before most of you were a twinkle in your fathers eye. In life he went right and I went left. He is the only person I know who could honestly qualify under the small "c" conservative banner.
KC, I believe you may have hit an interesting chord here. Maybe it is because of our addiction to our paychecks. We become accustomed to the lifestyle we are living, and we don’t want to lose that. Interesting point – thanks!
What do you mean by "What about the freedom of the unemployed, the mentally ill, the physical or emotionally wounded? Who is going to guarantee their freedom?" Which freedoms of theirs are being violated? I'm not sure what you mean.
Elizabeth, these are the people Jesus came to set free. They are in emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual bondage. What can we, as Christians, do, to allow them to be empowered and enabled to rise up out of the ashes of their personal hell?(Does that make sense?)They are enslaved by the victimization of an abuser; the decreased IQ of a genetic defect; the pain of a disease or injury; being ostracized for being socially unique; or from making poor choices (eg; early pregnancy, drug addiction, STDs, etc).
Wow, great post!! Lots of dichotomies, eh? Hmmm. I continue to try and walk what I talk and believe. But if I don’t practice this in what I do, is it really a true belief?? I am also sick and tired of the “holier than thou” attitude, including my own. Gag. Interesting comments, KC.
Thanks. Yes, I”m trying to look at myself in the mirror here and see where my own inconsistencies are – fortunately, I have none. (grin)
Just a couple thoughts. First is the problem of conflating government action with compassion. Lets take it on a personal level. If I see some one in need and I pick your pocket and give them the money is that compassion? On my part or yours? Compassion must be a voluntary and from my own resources to be genuine. Is paying taxes voluntary? Try … See Moresending a note to the IRS saying you are choosing not to pay taxes this year and see what happens.
As Christians we are called to reach out and care for the less fortunate. We can not abdicate this to the government. We must do this ourselves either as individuals or as voluntary groups (churches, charity organizations etc.). Should we as Christians be doing much more? Definitely.
Secondly, the idea that because conservatives are opposed to various government programs they less compassionate. Studies show that conservatives give more money to charities, volunteer more of their time, and even give more blood than liberals do. So it seems that government programs are a means of many liberals abdicating their personal responsibility to the less fortunate.
I liked the post, it does make one think.
Thanks Mike for the thoughts and comments!
My post was mainly directed towards the seemingly hundreds of fiscally conservative Christian friends whose attitudes towards some of the current debates, makes them, personally, sound dis-compassionate and heartless. This is what I’m mainly addressing – the appearance of not being turning their backs on the 31 million unemployed – and an equally large number of uninsured. Not to mention the millions of homeless, mentally ill, and wounded vets.
Government, as I understand it, is by the people and for the people. Therefore, we each, are choosing the government systems, laws, and protocols we have. It isn’t “them” – it is “us.”
One day (soon) we will get to answer to GOD for what you did or didnt do with the resources you had. Why you did or didn’t help someone who came to you in need. Why you drove by someone stranded on the highway etc etc. The BIBLE makes it very clear to NOT judge ANYONE (this would include political views) for you have NO idea where they came from, what they are struggling with, and what problems (social, economic, and spiritually) they are facing. It is very easy to be critical and knock people down. It is very HARD to pick people up. Lets spend our time getting to know JESUS and the rest of these discussions will seem pointless.
Satan is the master at separating people (political views, social class, religious views). He is very aware of the strength that a cohesive group will bring. Look around at our churches, church schools, and you will see the same. Prayer is the answer to the things we lack and our focus should be on the perfect world awaiting, not this world that will soon end.
Thank you Brady! Right on. And this is an excellent addition to the discussion. All I’m really asking, is for my fiscally conservative friends, to find a way to show compassion to the poor (in spirit and in finances). IOW, find better ways to advocate for better fiscal policies – without coming across as un-Christian.
Sometimes, earning the right to speak, means just that.
I agree Mike, and I think that both parties can be completely extreme. Just because Christians might be conservative does not necessarily mean they are Republicans.
Monica, by conservative, I mean fiscal/social conservatives – which normally translates into Republicans. Jennifer and I are quite theologically conservative, but fiscal/social moderates.
Gary, Yes government comes from the people. In other words all rights begin with the individual. Then certain rights are surrendered to the government at various levels to carry out certain functions that the people agree are better done by the government. An example, I surrender my right to retaliation, for lack of a better term, to the police/legal system.
From my example in the previous post, do I have a right to take from you to help myself or someone else? No. We call that theft. Since I do not have that right to begin with I can not give it to the government. So there is no foundation for the governments redistribution of wealth. It is legalized theft.
This is looking at things from a political/constitutional perspective…. See More
Again, for Christians we have no choice, we are commanded to care for the less fortunate. And we need to be doing a much better job at fulfilling this command.
But didn’t we abdicate our rights for individualism, when we agreed upon a democratic (albeit, republic) system of government. Ultimately, didn’t we say that what ever we all vote for – either directly, or through our elected leaders, is what’s best for everyone.
So, if that government decides to spend our collective resources to take care of those who can’t take care of themselves, why is this evil?
Really, I don’t want to get into the specifics of policy issues – my main thesis is that when otherwise good Christian people take an angry approach towards those who are trying to do the right thing, well, it doesn’t make them appear to be very Christ-like.
Isn’t there a way to discuss this civilly, and still get care to the people who need it? 31 million unemployed people – of which I am one. An equally large number of uninsured, of which my family is 4. The Church has failed – and so far, only a few (two of whom are commenters on this post) has stepped up to offer tangible help.
Hi, Gary.
What many non-Christians see is that a great many Christians in America tout their beliefs as a way to shelter themselves from the world and, more specifically, to feel good about behaving in a much less than morally constructive manner. Some very good evidence of this is Christians who blithefully proclaim to be a follower of Christ–who himself reached out to everyone (all of mankind) and was himself very poor from a material standpoint–but these same people live cocooned in their house, car, and grow their bank account while spending very little effort, in comparison, to help the world. Your essay here touches on that.
Many such people spend a lot of energy protecting their bank account (the government taking taxes is an easy enemy to fret about from home… ) rather than, as Jesus instructed, to follow Him and go out in the world to save it. And what exactly is the priority of these Christians? Indeed, it’s more evidence of how Christians pick and choose the verses in the Bible that they want to believe to feel good and then ignore what isn’t convenient. Modern day American Christians who espouse the current Republican “values” are especially easy targets for their hypocrisy. It’s very sad and I hope more people see the light as you are. Thanks for your essay.
Great words – well said. We Christians have much to learn about what the second Great Commandment means.
Gary, I don’t know you, but thank you for beginning one of the most civil political discussions I’ve seen in a long time! I’d like to respond to something Mike said. It helped me understand the “other” perspective a little better. I guess if I felt like the gov’t was stealing from me I’d be pretty upset, so it helps me understand where you’re coming from to hear that. I don’t look at it that way – to me, gov’t programs are like the home and auto insurance we all pay for but hope we never have to use.
I hope my house never burns down, but I’m happy to pay for the fire department down the road even though they help others and haven’t had to help me yet. Similarly, I’d be happy to pay for healthcare through my taxes if it meant that I could know that even if I lost my job my healthcare wouldn’t go away. (In addition to the compassion aspect, which I also agree with Gary on!) We could have a very real argument about whether that is the governments business or not (I think it is), but that’s my perspective in case it matters at all!
Thanks for jumping in here Heidi!
I find it fascinating that people who are willing to let the government educate their children, pave their roads, and fight their fires and crimes, are drawing the line at healthcare. When in fact, the USA has a very dismal record on mortality and morbidity within our patient care. Also, no one, currently is trying to take away privatized healthcare from anyone who has the means to buy it – from my perspective, it is about providing healthcare to those poor and working-poor, who can’t afford it themselves.
If someone has a better plan, lets here it. If someone can mobilize the great Christian community to pull together resources and provide healthcare to the poor, then lets see it happen. This is the closest we’ve been in years – are we going to blow this opportunity, and let the poor languish without financial assistance for another 10 years?
I think that basically problems should be dealt with at as local level as possible. Starting with the family, then community ( church and other voluntary organizations), town, county, state and then finally federal. This leaves as much control as close to the individual as possible thus the most liberty.
On the health care issue, if the government runs it there will be limitations on care, at least how soon you could get it. Quite a number of Canadians come down here for treatment and pay out of pocket so they can avoid waits of months or longer. So while the concept of national healthcare sounds nice the reality is not so great. Are there problems with the current system? Sure. But each problem can be addressed individually, rather than turning to national care and rationing.
As we see the problem of financing health care growing it points to the importance of following Biblical health principles so we are healthier. Also learning basic home remedies and first aid. If we can master these then we will be in a position to be a blessing to others if or when then system collapses.
I agree – let’s make it happen on the local level. But this is huge. How will individuals ever be able to provide healthcare to 15, 20, 25, 30 million people (choose your number – it’s still huge)? Even if I decided to spend $1000/month to help the problem, where would I send it, how would I allocate it, or how could I be assured it would be best utilized?
Of course there will be limitations – even when I had Blue Cross for the past 10 years, there were limitations. My first child was born in a substandard facility with no NICU, no surgery facilities, and limited staff – but I didn’t have a choice – unless I was willing to pay for the $10k birth out of my own pocket.
Unfortunately, not everyone understands biblical health principles. In fact, many of those needing healthcare are the least healthy (in habits and choices). But that doesn’t remove our responsibility to help.
Gary, I used to be registered as an Independent too so I understand where you are coming from. Then I escaped the Matrix I was living in, created by the major media outlets & Hollywood for us to live in.
Hey Gary, I’ll just post here instead of FB so it will be easier.
First a thought on the cost: Already the current entitlement programs, medicare, medicaid, and SS, are on the ropes financially and within the not so distant future will be broke. Meaning they will be paying out more than is being paid in. So the costs to the budget will skyrocket. Add that to the ballooning payments on our ever expanding national debt and we soon reach a place where it is consuming larger and larger portions of the GDP, gross domestic product, till it is unsustainable and the economy collapses. It would make the great depression look like a cake walk. So another large entitlement program will just make thing go bad that much faster.
So we need to start thinking outside the box in ways that we as Christians, and others of goodwill can provide help to others and ourselves. Just a few thoughts off the top of my head: parish nursing programs, health education initiatives. Charity funded free clinics….. Well I’m sure there are a multitude of other ideas, so chime in everyone. Not just on health care but also ways to help with various needs.
It seems that as we have federalized problems it has deadened our sense of community responsibility. WE are our neighbors keepers. (Stepping on own toes here too.) We cannot just say Uncle Sam will take care of it.
Very good points Mike! (and thanks for helping me keep the conversation in one place)
I completely agree that costs are out of control. Social Security is a major problem; two unfunded wars; and then the trade imbalance that really hurts. Many individuals in our society continue to live a life of debt-funded expenses, rather than pre-saved cash purchasing, so it’s really no surprise that we let this happen in our government too.
When this has happened to me in the past – and currently, as an unemployed family – I have handled it in two ways. First, quit spending. Take care of the basic needs and re-prioritize where the money is going. Second, let go of any assets that cost more than I can afford.
I once gave up a car, with a $6000 loss, just to get rid of the payments and bring my budget under control. Another time, I went for over a year without a car. Currently, even though we are living on meager unemployment insurance, our bank account is actually growing.
I’m not sure Americans have the will to do the hard work of re-prioritization though. This would need to happen at all levels. I also don’t believe some of the issues can be tackled by individuals, or churches. Like I said in an earlier comment, even if I wanted to give $1000/month to help, where would I send it?
Many hospital systems are owned by churches, what if they through open their doors to the uninsured? The problem is, these hospital systems are barely staying afloat as is, and the competition is fierce.
I just believe that the healthcare issue is so big, that developing a healthcare system that is on par with our highway, space, and military programs is most likely the best solution. But whenever we say yes to one thing, we have to say no to another. Scaling back the military (which is about 50% of our federal budget), would easily pay for a health care system.
Also, we have one of the lower tax rates of many industrialized nations. I’m willing to have my taxes raised. It would hurt, it would be hard, but sometimes we just have to do the right thing.
But, I restate my real premise, the Christians who are adamant fiscal conservatives, need to argue this in a way that shows empathy and compassion.
(and Mike, I greatly appreciate your tone here – thank you!)
gwalter invites you to read this blog: ..31 Million Americans Unemployed
Gary, I’m not sure you answered the question you posed. Assuming your question is rhetorical, then I would ask you is your friend coming from a truly informed position? For example, many nice Catholic Christians are Democrats. So is he/she asking about Protestants only? And the premise is funny, if it is true that Europeans are not very religious anymore, than of course it makes sense they keep religion out of politics.
I think the underlying assumption of the question is flawed. The capacity to love is not reflected by what party or religion or economic theory one affiliates with, but by the individual’s walk with the creator.
Thanks for jumping in Colleen! Actually, my friend is very informed, and is an employee of the Church. I understand your point, about the decreasing religious nature of Europe – and I believe it is a valid point.
I agree that one’s capacity to love is not reflected in one’s affiliation. However, how they communicate the party-line, can communicate volumes regarding their true nature.
My real point in this is that increasingly, as I hear people rant against those advocating universal healthcare, it comes across as uncaring to the needs of others. As I listened to the State of the Union Address on Hulu.com today, I was impressed by the empathy in our President’s voice. He talked about the hardship of unemployed Americans, and the pain of families without healthcare coverage.
Frankly, I don’t hear that sort of empathy from my fiscally conservative friends (present company excluded). Many of the people who rail on these issues are pastors, or leaders in their churches – and it seems as if, like the comment from Dfisher above, they are more interested in protecting their pocketbooks, then they are in helping others.
The system is broken, our nation is in debt, so now what? Are we going to be compassionate, or are we going to block every initiative put forward, because it will cost us more money?
Actions then Words Gary! I like it! As a fiscal conservative I try to let my actions be louder than my mouth….
And you do! Thank you!
So here’s my thoughts:
These statements make me understand that neither side of the political spectrum is communicating well. First, conservatives don’t all make 6-figure incomes. In fact, according to the last three presidential elections, there is roughly a 50-50 split in the electorate. Second, I don’t hear anyone saying we shouldn’t help the less fortunate, but the discussion is about HOW and what is really help. It goes back to do we give fish or teach to fish? Which is better? – some of both probably.
Don’t fall into the trap thinking conservatives are unwilling to help or uncompassionate. It isn’t true. That simply shows we’re all buying into the sound-bites of the politicians.
What it really comes down to – is a philosophical difference about HOW to help. One side thinks that raising taxes will do more to help, the other side believes lowering taxes will help. If you really look at the core, I believe you will truly see both are trying to accomplish the same thing. But most won’t look at the core.
Having an opinion about which is better is fine with me, but the blame-casting isn’t helpful to the discussion….
I didn’t say that all conservatives make six-finger incomes. What I did try to convey is that those who have argued hardest on this, towards me, make six figures (you are obviously the exception).
I also don’t hear these people arguing about how. It seems mainly that they are trying to stop good-intentioned people from doing what is on their hearts.
Most of what I’m talking about is perception. These otherwise good Christian people, are coming across very harsh and dis-compassionate. (did you read the comments and my replies above?) I never said that conservatives are unwilling to help. I just said that they sound harsh and not empathetic. It also appears that they are more interested in protecting their pocketbooks, then they are in helping.
But I also don’t see the conservatives coming up with an alternative plan. They had 8 years during the last presidential administration, and there seemed to be no effort made in this direction. However, we did get into a huge budget debt through two unpaid for wars.
I agree that casting blame is not helpful – which is why I’m asking my conservative friends to tone it down. Be a part of the solution. Quit calling the empathetic liberals evil. Quit painting Obama with this big liberal/socialist paintbrush – in fact, he’s one of the most moderate presidents we’ve had in quite awhile.
gwalter invites you to read this blog: ..The Emperor is Naked
Interesting topic…I am an independent conservative. What alarms me about the current situation is the vast amounts of money we are spending that we do not have. I do not understand how any government whether it be Democrats or Republicans in office feel they have the right to spend more than they 'earn'. I completely understand the frustration that many less than eloquent fiscal conservatives have in seeing the deficit growing at such a rate that it feels like a debt that can never be repaid.
Health care for all is a worthy goal but then let go of something else…we cannot fund every good and worthwhile program, we just cannot afford to. It annoys the crap out of me that the government wants to raise taxes without giving up something. If I need a new car I know that I have to give up something else that is in my budget to come up with the monthly payments. Why is it we the people are smart enough to realize this but our government that is supposed to by 'by the people' and 'for the people' is not?
I believe that health care coverage is certainly something that each of us who are citizens of this country should have, but I am not sure the kids in the sandbox back in DC will ever quit throwing sand in each others eyes long enough to ever get it done.
As for conservatives sounding less than compassionate it just may be that their frustration is coming through louder than their compassion…
I will try to make sure that I am not one of them…thanks for the reminder. Kim
Indeed, I”m not really as interested in changing anyone’s philosophy, but it does bother me when otherwise good people come across so harsh and unsympathetic.
With so many people out of work, uninsured, and struggling. Now is the time to be working towards solutions, not blocking other’s attempts to fix it – or being so overly critical.
Thanks for the feedback Kim!
Indeed, I”m not really as interested in changing anyone's philosophy, but it
does bother me when otherwise good people come across so harsh and
unsympathetic.
With so many people out of work, uninsured, and struggling. Now is the time
to be working towards solutions, not blocking other's attempts to fix it -
or being so overly critical.
Thanks for the feedback Kim!
gwalter invites you to read this blog: ..Get Off My Lawn!
I agree with kim….i guess politically i'm a conservative independent don't waste the money type of guy. When someone says NEW TAXES….the first thing i think is…..where is all the money you have going now? As a 25 year federal employee i can assure youthat much of that money gets tossed away. Do i want everyone to have a house, feed their families, etc., etc. sure, of course i do, i'm not a monster by any stretch, but there is only so much to go around. I think we need to look much closer at how we (the country) got here?? Was it because of rich executives?? or was it because so many of us were living beyond our means and the butcher was paid his bill? Its been said for years (thankyou Dave Ramsey) that we spend money like fools and are not conservative enough. Suddenly the only way we see out (not me but the government) is to print money like its sail canvas and throw it everywhere to sop of the financial flood we find ourselves in. Will it work, methinks not. You can't fix an arterial bleed (or many) with a bandaid-even if that bandaid looks like a blanket.
I agree – it's not about just printing more money – or going deeper into dept – but about fixing our priorities. I too am a fan of Dave Ramsey – my cars have been paid off for years, last year I had 3-4 months salary saved, had no credit card debt, and we didn't over-buy on our house. Indeed, we were living below our means.
In the last three years, we have lost $100,000 on paper. Took a loss on our Springs house, but still took away some capital – that capital is now not only gone, but it will be years before this house is worth more than we owe. Our savings are gone, we are living off of public assistance, and both of our cars are living on borrowed miles – with almost 200k on each – and needing tires.
We feel blessed to have access to unemployment insurance, food-stamps, and the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)! There are people all over the world with less! However, we haven't made a house payment in three months – I wonder how long that can go on?
Priorities? Maybe we are spending too much money in our overseas military operations? Maybe we are spending too much in other areas? Maybe we need to take a harder look at these priorities?
As I said in another comment – "the squeaky wheel often gets the grease." In my opinion, the needs for universal health-care, an 11% unemployment rate, and upside-down mortgage holders are greater than trying to straighten out a culture/country/region that has been in turmoil for millennia!
But if the financially strapped don't speak up, who will fight for them?
All I'm asking for here is compassion on the part of my very outspoken conservative Christian friends. They say it is the responsibility of individuals and the Church (eg; the people of the church) to take care of the poor – but if it wasn't for the state (and a couple of very generous people who commented above!), we would be in a world of hurt right now.
PS: I"m not personally asking for help, or more help – we have a house (for now), food, and medical care. But there are millions without this. I'm saying, these outspoken critics of universal health-care need to put their money where their mouth is – or keep it down a little.
In other words, this isn't about me or my family. This is about priorities, compassion, and doing the right thing.
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