My dad is the most generous person I know. He is also the most conservative Republican I know. Some would find 'generous republican' a contradiction of terms. It's not. We spent a good deal of time 'discussing' US politics in Switz. And of course I am labled the Family Bleeding Heart Liberal. Of course I know we can't throw the immigration gates wide open, but it kills me to think of keeping people out or deporting people who are working hard and trying to make it in the US. Glenn rants on LBJ's Great Society crediting it with the breakdown of the working class and black family units and the crappy state of the American welfare system. And I'm like "Oh Dad! You obviously just hate poor people, you money-hungry Republican!" But let me just tell you that every time we ran across any sort of beggar or street musician I was the one stealing myself to walk past and ignore and horde, while Glenn every time, EVERY TIME, would say 'Do you have any money?' and lead by example and give. The generous Republican vs. the greedy Bleeding Heart Liberal.
And I have been thinking about this. Wondering about how if we can pin 'care for the poor' on the gov't we don't have to do anything about it personally, or lift a finger. We just like to rant and blame the govt for not caring for its people instead of taking personal responsibility - and each of us NOT lifting a finger to take care of OUR people, eachother.
From now on I'm not allowed to complain about what the Gov't or church is not doing for the poor unless I am doing something personally to care for the poor. This is my new rule for myself.
3 comments:
LBJ did not understand the simple fact that if you want less of something you tax it and if you want more of something you subsidize it. If you pay people for being poor, they will stay poor.
And red states are more generous when it comes to charitable giving than blue states - it's a documented fact.
PS - I think I am more conservative than dad.
Love you, please stay safe in Ethiopia.
hi erin! i just noticed your blog address and am going to add you as a "friend" on our blog:)...i love your "the generous republican" article! there's been a lot of political talk going on in the welsh household:) what a special time you must be having with your dad...i look forward to reading the rest of your blog and being encouraged by all that you are experiencing! you are missed and loved...and being prayed for! take care...oh, and the last time i saw you at rite aid-priceless!
noel (welshfamilyadventures.blogspot.com)
good rule. that is very convicting, in a good way.
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