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Jimmy Kimmel’s Moving Story Shows Why Private Charity Trumps Government
The Daily Signal ^ | May 4, 2017 | Beverly Hallberg

Posted on 05/05/2017 12:23:10 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks

In his emotional monologue a few nights ago, Jimmy Kimmel told us a heartbreaking story with a happy ending.

His newborn son, Billy, was diagnosed with a heart disease and underwent immediate surgery—which thankfully was successful.

Millions have since watched and sympathized with the comedian and his family—crying when he cried, rejoicing when he rejoiced.

No one ever wants that diagnosis to be their story. It’s scary, especially when you consider that a solution comes in the form of open heart surgery on the tiniest of chest cavities.

Kimmel was right to praise the doctors and nurses at Cedars Sinai Hospital and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. They saved his son’s life.

The care, technology, and life saving treatment his family experienced was made possible by two, privately funded organizations. Both Cedars Sinai and Children’s Hospital LA are non-profit, not government-run, hospitals. This isn’t a coincidence.

When individuals are allowed to fund programs they like without a government mandate, we end up with more efficient and effective services. Hospitals are only one very important example.

As Kimmel’s story continues to affect hearts and minds in the ongoing health care debate, take this opportunity to talk to people about charitable giving vs. government funds. Here’s how we suggest you do it.

Common Ground

This is a delicate conversation to have because it seems like liberals and conservatives stand firmly on their own sides.

When conservatives talk about decreasing funding for a beloved and seemingly helpful program, liberals introduce us to a victim that will inevitably die, starve, and be denied a good education if funding is reduced or pulled.

We watched it happen when Mitt Romney talked about cutting funding for PBS. His desire to rein in spending obviously meant that conservatives hate Big Bird and want to deprive future generations of his joy.

We watched it happen when President Donald Trump released his budget, which would have cut funding for a grant program that supports Meals on Wheels. Now, anyone in favor of this cut is accused of wanting old people to starve.

Both claims are absurd, but the narrative is sticky.

This is bad news for an economy that’s nearing $20 trillion in debt. If spending cuts to programs that matter always translate to “you want to kill Big Bird?!” or “old people will starve!” then we will never have nice things.

To avoid these accusations, you have to start with common ground.

Yes, we like Big Bird. Yes, we like Meals on Wheels. In fact, we like helping people in need through a wide variety of programs. WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE.

The only question we ask is: Who does it best—the government, or you?

Examples

In addition to the hospitals that served Kimmel’s family so well, here are a few examples that illustrate why and how charitable giving provides MORE help (more efficiently) than the government to those in need.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we had a front row seat to FEMA vs. Habitat for Humanity. This “battle” to get Louisianans back on their feet after the hurricane is a perfect example of how private charity, not government funding, is a better problem solver.

FEMA failed miserably in its response, while Habitat for Humanity built homes for the homeless.

Government-funded programs will always be hamstrung by regulations and red tape, which is why private charity will always be more capable and efficient.

If we truly care for, and want to help, a vulnerable segment of the population (homeless, elderly, children, the displaced), shouldn’t we want to support programs that actually help? And stop funding programs that don’t?

It’s also not true to assume that if funding is pulled from a program like Meals on Wheels, that others won’t step in and donate, or that another organization won’t pop up to take its place.

Take for example the One Can A Week program.

Peter Norback took it upon himself to collect cans in his community for the local food bank. He has collected more than 62,000 pounds of food and $13,000 from one neighborhood.

His model has been so successful that similar organizations are taking root all over the country.

This is one man with one program. He had time, saw a need, and filled it—and he is not the only person to ever respond like this. He also won’t be the last.

Again, government isn’t the only solution. There will always be people in need, and there will always be people who want to help people in need.

The government doesn’t have to outline how and when that help happens, especially since the response is often slower and less comprehensive.

Words

If you say the wrong word, you can lose this argument before it starts.

“Cut” and “defund” make big government lovers see red, so stick to “reduce waste.” Reform is always a good choice, and it accurately describes what you wish to do.

If the end goal is to help people, then you have to talk about people—who you’re helping, and how. Only then can you pivot to why private charity trumps government spending.

Americans are generous, and we shouldn’t be afraid to acknowledge it. Remind people that the most effective and efficient help comes from individuals who choose where, when, and how to allocate their money.

The hospitals that saved the life of Kimmel’s son wouldn’t be able to do what they do without private donations.

The Daily Signal depends on the support of readers like you. Donate now


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Editorial; Government; News/Current Events; Philosophy; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: ahca; charity; giving; hospitals; jimmykimmel; obamacare; repealandreplace; speech
Kimmel video in original.
1 posted on 05/05/2017 12:23:10 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
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To: Tolerance Sucks Rocks

Shame the Article (& every other libtard ) misses the opportunity to point out that Kimmel doesn’t have Obamacare and Obamacare played no role in his sons treatment. We used to have words for that like liar, hypocrite, and shameless propagandist. We also used to value things like the truth when entertaining arguments.


2 posted on 05/05/2017 12:31:13 PM PDT by 1malumprohibitum
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To: Tolerance Sucks Rocks

The man makes $10M per year!

Look at the celebrity worth web site!

Nothing but a “made up” whine to support ZeroCare!


3 posted on 05/05/2017 12:37:42 PM PDT by Reily
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To: Tolerance Sucks Rocks

A Millionaire and his Employers taking charity and government subsidized health care ..

is stealing from the poor and truly needy

How else are we to see Kimmel and NBC?

Hell even Kimmels family is well off before he got into show business is dad’s a VP at american express

Kimmel and NBC should be paying for themselves and others as an act of charity to the poor


4 posted on 05/05/2017 12:48:07 PM PDT by tophat9000 (Tophat9000)
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To: Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Let's be honest with ourselves.

No one can come up with the crocodile tears and fake empathy as well as liberals.

Especially liberal entertainers.


5 posted on 05/05/2017 12:56:37 PM PDT by Vlad The Inhaler (Best Long Term Prepper Tactic: Beat The Muslim Takeover - Have Big Families)
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To: Tolerance Sucks Rocks
If we truly care for, and want to help, a vulnerable segment of the population (homeless

We get them upgraded shopping carts with pneumatic tires silly.

6 posted on 05/05/2017 1:12:56 PM PDT by itsahoot (As long as there is money to be divided, there will be division.)
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To: Reily

I saw that too. He had me really moved until he started the Obummercare bit. Had to look at the video above just to make sure I heard what I thought I did when it first aired. Still feel for his kid but it’s a shame he had to turn the story to politics where there was no need.


7 posted on 05/05/2017 1:23:41 PM PDT by Hillarys Gate Cult
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To: Tolerance Sucks Rocks

Bump


8 posted on 05/05/2017 1:36:51 PM PDT by Incorrigible (If I lead, follow me; If I pause, push me; If I retreat, kill me.)
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To: Hillarys Gate Cult

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/richest-comedians/jimmy-kimmel-net-worth/

Next look up Cheri’s net worth!
Since she felt compelled to weigh in!


9 posted on 05/05/2017 3:51:19 PM PDT by Reily
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To: Tolerance Sucks Rocks

All the libs on FB posted that video over and over as an attempt to amplify Kimmel’s jab at Trump.

However, the response is simple. Kimmel is now concerned about sick babies since his baby was sick (wonder how Kimmel feels about murdering babies just minutes from birth?). Kimmel is a multi-millionaire yet he wants to TAKE money from me and you to fund care for sick babies. Why doesn’t Kimmel use his money and bully pulpit and the resources of his millionaire friends to RAISE money to care for sick babies. I cannot afford more taxes, but Kimmel can afford to start a foundation for generous DONORS to handle this problem.


10 posted on 05/06/2017 7:39:27 AM PDT by Reddy (B.O. stinks)
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To: Reddy

Indeed.


11 posted on 05/06/2017 7:42:26 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks (The GOP-e: supporting the Democrat agenda)
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To: Reddy

This is a man who dated Sarah Silverman for years.


12 posted on 05/06/2017 7:43:54 AM PDT by trisham (Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness. And then what do you have? Bupkis.)
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To: Hillarys Gate Cult
I saw that too. He had me really moved until he started the Obummercare bit. Had to look at the video above just to make sure I heard what I thought I did when it first aired. Still feel for his kid but it’s a shame he had to turn the story to politics where there was no need.

Exactly! Everyone could empathize with what he and his family went through, especially parents, and then he had to go political, turning off a lot of people.

What is wrong with you, Jimmy? My son sends me youtube clips of you and you're funny. Just back off from a man who half of the country elected...and tell your other comedian friends that if they know what's smart, they will do the same.

Good, honest people who voted for President Trump can only get kicked in the teeth for so long.

(Not advocating violence, btw. Just sick of the non-stop harassment of our new president, who is actually doing an outstanding job).

Moderator, if you think this post is inappropriate, please feel free to delete. :) Thanks, Julie

13 posted on 05/06/2017 9:07:47 PM PDT by proud American in Canada (God Bless the USA (Trump: "I will bear the slings and arrows for you, the American people))
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To: Hillarys Gate Cult

Oh my goodness; my post probably should be deleted because I used “who” when I should have said “whom”.

Not even sure anymore. ;)


14 posted on 05/06/2017 9:10:29 PM PDT by proud American in Canada (God Bless the USA (Trump: "I will bear the slings and arrows for you, the American people))
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