[goldstategop]

He is not a socialist. But many on the Right act as if we should punish the poor and those who are imprisoned rather than work to help them transform themselves.

If we are hard-hearted we cannot build a decent and just society. We must live as God teaches us to live and set an example through good works to every one, particularly those most in need of it. Compassion and love cannot be built by a government; it can only come from people acting out of fear of God, not out of fear of the state.

[muawiyah]

Put it this way, it’s not charity to give away money taken at the point of a gun.

[Gene Eric]

>> But many on the Right act as if we should punish the poor

Seriously?

[LucianOfSamasota]

For a Christian: The Lord is our Provider.
If we submit to the Lord, and work hard, the Lord will bless us.
A wealthy man has been blessed by the Lord. Who are we to judge how he obtained his wealth? If he obtained his wealth through nefarious means, that is between him and the Lord.

We are commanded to work, as unto the Lord; support our families; and share with those in need from compassion. God will also provide for those in need, as they learn to serve Him.

No where does scripture suggest a right to TAKE form the more fortunate, only that we should be generous to those in need.

For a Marxist/Liberation Theology adherent: The State/society has an inferred ‘contract’ to provide for the members/subjects. The rich have too much, and must have obtained it by exploiting the worker. Those who will not share their wealth with the poor are greedy. Their greed justifies taking their wealth by force.

So a Christian works for his wealth, which is provided by God, and shares with the poor out of compassion.
A Marxist depends upon the social contract for his wealth, the State is his provider, and he takes from the ‘rich’ out of envy.

Sorry for needing so many words to explain such a basic concept.

[yldstrk]

You forget, there really are some just plain bad people who aren’t going to be “transformed” because all they care about is themselves.

[cripplecreek]

He is not a socialist. But many on the Right act as if we should punish the poor and those who are imprisoned rather than work to help them transform themselves.

Agreed. We don't have to pander to the poor but we do need to show them that they are victims and slaves to the democrats who want to keep them in line.

[Lou L]

But many on the Right act as if we should punish the poor and those who are imprisoned rather than work to help them transform themselves.

I don't disagree with the way your post reads, nor the points you make. But wouldn't you agree that the poor need to meet us halfway? Certainly in this country, the key elements that separate those in poverty from becoming financially independent: a solid education, a healthy lifestyle, hard work, thriftiness, perserverance, and a general avoidance of bad choices--drugs, gangs, crime. Promiscuity that leads to unwed motherhood. Fatherless children.

[Bigg Red]

But many on the Right act as if we should punish the poor....

&&&
Yes, that is true. But I think it is a knee-jerk reaction to what often gets defined as poor in our country and to the wrong methods our government uses in what it claims is a way to solve poverty.

[Wonder Warthog]

"But many on the Right act as if we should punish the poor and those who are imprisoned rather than work to help them transform themselves."

Excuse me, but I've been on this forum and other "right oriented" fora, and I don't see much, if any, evidence to support that assertion. What people on the right criticize are those that WANT to be "useless eaters", not those who actually want to do something with their lives.

[upcountryhorseman]

CAPITALISM is the system that generates the least poverty:
socialism as demonstrated by France4, Britain, etc. fail
to produce a viable system.

[PapaBear3625]

But many on the Right act as if we should punish the poor and those who are imprisoned rather than work to help them transform themselves. If we are hard-hearted we cannot build a decent and just society.

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." -- 2 Thessalonians 3:10

I'm fine with feeding those who CANNOT work -- the actual disabled. I'm not fine with subsidizing those who have no interest in work, and haughtily expect me to subsidize their idleness. And the people currently in US prisons are mostly there for good reasons.

[don-o]

Before I read another post on the thread, I pause to tip my hat. Well said - VERY well said.

[PeterPrinciple]

In the good old days when we had more people self employed they could employ people.

I have a little rental property and with all the rules, regs, liabilities. I DARE NOT help anyone in my small business.