Posted by
James Burns on Monday, October 27, 2008 9:25:47 PM
In this day in age where one presidential candidate wants to "spread
the wealth" to help those lower down the ladder than others. While this
is a noble cause, it is not the governments responsibility to do so.
The principle is actually quite biblical and is made towards the
everyday person and not the government. The bible tells us that we are
to help, the widows, the elderly and the orphans. In the book of Acts the early Christians practiced this belief. It is each persons moral responsibility
to do this according to persons needs and resources. It is not the
governments job under this doctrine to do this. Unfortunately Karl Marx formed a governmental ideology based on this principle. But as we see with the former Soviet Union more harm had been done than good.
I live in a manufactured home community in Florida. I have managed the
property here and saw many things based on this principle. Our
community is a mixture of people. It is not a 55+ community , but
rather a mixed community. We have every type of class here, the
extremely wealthy to the extremely destitute. I have my self witnessed
and participated in aiding those people less fortunate than I. Now I am
not wealthy, but rather have what I need and can pay my bills, but help
when I can. Whether it is paying the light bill for a mentally
challenged resident who has been left alone since the death of his
mother and works a minimum wage job and does not drive. Getting the
property owners to forgive a lot rent balance due to a family crisis
for some individuals. Having Santa Claus come in in a Volkswagen
powered sled and hand out toys to the children here. To organizing and
helping in community cleanups of those peoples homes that cannot
physically and financially do it. My neighbor mows three elderly womens
yards who cannot afford or care for them themselves. We have this
throughout the community. Though this community is not perfect, we have
a lot of good people willing to give a helping hand to those less
fortunate. The property owner is a self made millionaire. When I worked
for him we talked about a lot of things he told me was an average
working class person who struggled in the beginning with four children
and no insurance. He has not forgotten how hard it is, and gives back
when he can. The owners every fall throw a festival for the residents
which is completely free to all the residents. I have seen the bills
for this and it averages around 10 to 15 thousand every year. But again
they care about the residents and enjoy giving back.
There are many more examples that go on everyday. But the point is,
that we need to stop looking for the government for a hand out or a
government giving a hand out. But rather look to one another to help
each other out. That is what makes our country great, our ability to
come together and help our fellow man. It 's our responsibility not the
government's or Barack Obama's.