The Ant and the Tsunami Victims: A Marxist Perspective

CFP ^ | January 10, 2004 | Nancy Salvato

[MikeEdwards]

Bring on the hate mail. I know I’ll be receiving plenty of it from the people who don’t want to hear what I’m going to say. To begin with, I’m tired of the hard working people in the United States playing Atlas to those who don’t plan beyond the moment or to those who believe that the rest of the world exists to bail them out when they encounter disaster.

Government spending of citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars to bail out every victim of disaster, poor business practice, or persons lacking in motive to overcome adversity has led to a greatly expanded welfare state and unnecessary regulation of private industry predicated on the idea that the government knows the best way to spend our money and that we exist to take care of those "deemed" unable to meet the demands of society as we know it.

Communism, which forces individuals to sacrifice their own interests for the good of the state, was allegedly defeated at the close of the Cold War. Yet our personal and intellectual freedoms are still under attack by many who play on the collective guilt of those who have achieved wealth through hard work and enterprise; suggesting that they be required to contribute a greater share of their hard earned dollars to take care of those who are not doing as well--without any expectation of return on their money. . . . .

[Publius6961]

To the extent that "countries" are expected to provide compulsory charity, I agree completely.

"Reverse", compulsory slavery is no less slavery than the traditional kind.

Charity can not, and must not, ever be compulsory.

[satchmodog9]

Funny how all reasonable thought in Cannukstan comes from US thinkers.

[socialismisinsidious]

I agree. Good post.

Here is another post along this same line: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1315432/posts

from the other article: "Bauer even found that many aid-receiving governments intentionally wrecked their own economies as a strategy for acquiring additional millions in foreign aid. This whole process may be bad for their economies, but it consolidates their political power and enriches them at the same time."

[Mikey]

Hate mail, not from this Freeper.

What really ticks me off is, there's NO money for the proper body armor for our troops, NO money for headstones for those who gave all, yet there's plenty of cash to be given (UN-Constitutionally I might add) to everyone else.

See also;The feds' unconstitutional generosity

[Mikey]

"We are not a welfare state. We are a free country and freedom means that you can build your house on a cliff or on the shore or even next to power lines. But with thatfreedom comes responsibility--for your self. Buy more insurance, find storage for your valuables on safer ground, but don’t expect me to pay for your lack of concern or foresight. If I choose to contribute a sum of money to a charity on your behalf, that is up to me. Not up to the government."

I couldn't agree more.

[Mikey]

Here's one that'll really make ya laugh and disgust you at the same time;

UN Rushes Condoms to Tsunami Victims

[Badray]

Another writer nails it.

[Ashamed Canadian]

Funny how all reasonable thought in Cannukstan comes from US thinkers.

Hey, I don't care where it comes from, as long as it is allowed to be heard!

[satchmodog9]

Mass mailings would be a great way to start.

[GAWnCA]

What really ticks me off is, there's NO money for the proper body armor for our troops, NO money for headstones for those who gave all, yet there's plenty of cash to be given (UN-Constitutionally I might add) to everyone else.

I agree 1000% But you forgot, I think all honorably discharged veterans should have fully paid benefits for the rest of their lives, as long as we can support people that come to America for no other reason than a free ride, we should take care of those that make our freedom possible.

[blogesota]

Have you contacted your President about this body armor thing? There is money allocated and supplies are standing by. Why haven't the troops been armoured?

[madison10]

Is there a way to get a tax deduction (not that it really matters) for sending money for body armor for our troops?

I'm not crazy about sending money to the tsunami area. Flame me if you wish, but my tax dollars are plenty & I didn't ASK for them to go to the Far East.