Free Republic

While many of us turn to the government for answers to the COVID-19 pandemic, others rightfully seek solutions from the private sector. Last week, the Hoover Institution's Russ Roberts asked his many Twitter followers to help "create a list of voluntary (non-coercive) actions taking place right now to reduce COVID-19 spread or impact." The answers are too inspiring not to share. First, many of Roberts' followers shared a list the benefits offered by their employers that help to alleviate workers' financial hardships or ensure their health is protected. For instance, Walmart, Target, Gap and many other firms announced that they...

True love is a sacrifice. Sometimes you have to give up winning so others can win. Making a sacrifice allows your brother to get ahead. When you let others to get ahead, God will ensure there is someone there to help you get ahead. Doing good works unselfishly, is infectious and dispels unfounded fear. Today I was listening to a story by a Russian priest who told us how contagious good works are. How do you do good works? See how this young man not only changed the lives of several families by serving them, but also infecting others to...

According to a USA Today/Bipartisan Policy Center poll, "Americans by more than 2-1 say the best way to make positive changes in society is through volunteer organizations and charities, not by being active in government." Even better news: People under 30 are especially put off by politics and are "significantly less likely than their parents to say participating in politics is an important value in their lives." Why is this good news? There are at least two reasons. One is that the less faith people have in government, the more they are likely to have in themselves. The second is...

Helping another person even when doing so could adversely affect you is considered a virtue by many. People are often applauded as heroes, as they should be, when they help others. But what happens when a well-intended action results in unanticipated harm? Expand that thought one more step: What is the effect if the resulting harm should have been known, but the persons taking action out of supposed "altruism" based their actions on emotions rather than on data? They meant to help, but they ended up hurting someone or some group -- either themselves, the intended beneficiary of the action...