Posted on 06/02/2004 9:52:03 AM PDT by Phantom Lord
Exactly. Churches, civic groups . . . anyone but government.
When government "helps," it mandates what citizens must do in order to avoid criminal charges. A friend of mine has a horse barn. He was recently informed that he now needs a "special use" permit. In order to obtain this permit, he has to install a handicapped parking space, fully paved and marked, with proper "signage." At a horse barn!
If my friend doesn't comply, he leaves himself open to fines and eventual property seizure by (guess who?) the ever-helpful government.
I love my relatives, but there's no way I could vote for or endorse government programs to "help" them.
"And, since everyone's really my neighbor,...
It takes a Village alert."
"Nice to see you!"
And always nice to see your posts, too!
I owe nothing to your elders. You take care of yours as I take care of mine. If you can't deal with that, talk to your local churches and charities.
And keep the Big Stupid Government Parasite Middleman out of the picture entirely.
"And you know this as a godless atheist? Why would you say this if you don't believe? What a hypocrite. Why don't you use another godless atheist for your words of wisdom?"
Jesus' teachings on how to treat others are a model of wisdom. I needn't believe in the divinity of Jesus to appreciate his words, now do I?
As for being a hypocrite, I will leave that for those who judge others to determine.
Grampa Simpson was always one of my favorites. :-D
It's heartening to see most folks on this thread advocating family, church, and charity help over taxpayer-funded welfare.
Stalin also fought Hitler.
That doesn't mitigate his less admirable traits.
"When government "helps," it mandates what citizens must do in order to avoid criminal charges. A friend of mine has a horse barn. He was recently informed that he now needs a "special use" permit. In order to obtain this permit, he has to install a handicapped parking space, fully paved and marked, with proper "signage." At a horse barn!"
What does this have to do with helping some woman get a grab rail for her tub?
As for your friend, I'm assuming that he has a public stable, not a private barn. If so, then he's just going to have to put in the handicapped stuff. It's the law.
There's a public stable near me. They have three handicapped spaces and offer special programs for handicapped riders. Lots of business for them, and the handicapped kids love it.
Better yet, a Catholic. I understand what Jesus said and practice it in my private life. I think our disagreement may be over the degree of govenrment involvement. Charity is not charity unless it is voluntary.
I am also highly sensitive to non-Christians using the bible to attack the motivations of Christians.
"Stalin also fought Hitler.
That doesn't mitigate his less admirable traits."
Couldn't help noticing and am just curious...
You think it's more important to call yourself "Catholic" than "Christian"?
"Better yet, a Catholic. I understand what Jesus said and practice it in my private life. I think our disagreement may be over the degree of govenrment involvement. Charity is not charity unless it is voluntary.
I am also highly sensitive to non-Christians using the bible to attack the motivations of Christians."
We have no problem with each other then. I salute you. Keep up the open mind regarding the Bible.
Hitler's a horrible man. The German soldier is not necessarily a horrible man...just a soldier.
"I was just following orders" carried no weight at Nuremberg.
The comparison is, indeed, applicable.
Instead of these old farts causing the government to steal more money from tax payers to fix their housing problems, why don't they ever take their needs to their local church and ask for help?
I was citing this as an example of government mandated assistance.
As for your friend, I'm assuming that he has a public stable, not a private barn
You assume incorrectly. He breeds horses. It's not a riding stable. But, as you say, "it's the law." Therefore, any area that could conceivably be visited by handicapped individuals must have the government mandated adjustments made at the owner's expense.
The government does not allow an owner to solve the access problem in any way other than its prescribed mandate (signage and paving). The owner has never been visited by a handicapped individual interested in purchasing an Arabian horse, but if he was, I'm sure he would find a way accommodate that individual. You don't turn away someone who would pay five figures for a horse -- you bring the horse to them.
The government will not allow that solution to occur. It will enforce the same laws applicable to Wal-Mart on a small horse breeding establishment.
Now, let's imagine how the government could mandate the care of the elderly. As a rental property owner, you might be required to install grab bars in all your units, even if your units are rented primarily to college kids. You have to accommodate tenants you most likely will never have.
That's the problem with government mandates. One size fits all, and that one size is generally the most expensive possible solution.
Old farts, eh?
I am reminded of an epitaph written on a gravestone somewhere in Virginia:
"As you are, so once was I. As I am, you will soon be. Prepare for Death!".
It is pretty ironic for an atheist like yourself to invoke the name of Jesus in an argument. Note to MineralMan when forming an argument it is better to shut your mouth and let others think your an idiot than to open it and let all doubts be confirmeed.
"It is pretty ironic for an atheist like yourself to invoke the name of Jesus in an argument. Note to MineralMan when forming an argument it is better to shut your mouth and let others think your an idiot than to open it and let all doubts be confirmeed."
Not at all ironic. The Bible is there for anyone to read. I can quote it or reference it just as easily as can anyone else.
As for your suggestion that I "shut my mouth," I'll take it under advisement, but don't hold your breath.
The day I can't get out of the bathtub, just leave me there to prune up.
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