I think people get lost on what giving truly is. If it is mandatory that is not giving, giving is to give up what the person chooses to. It isn't always money either. We can give so many other things other than money. I am not really in the position to give money, but, I do other things, which Ian states that the govn should be responsible for doing. Not the individual or the church. That to me is wrong. I give of my time for one. I was asked a long time ago, to volunteer at the hospitals for people newly diagnosed with the disease no one like to speak of, so, off I go whenever duty calls to talk to someone to s say basically, " if I can do it, trust me, you can do it." Whatever "it" might be. A treatment, a surgery, just facing the unknown and trying to have a positive attitude.
I don't know why anyone thinks it is always the govn's job to do stuff.
I collect blankets, boots, hats, gloves, and clothing for people really down and out. People you wouldn't ever want to be.
I think, it is everyone's responsiblity to payback the good fortune maybe, we have had in our lives.
But, it can never be took away from someone, never taken from someone's earnings, and directed where the govn wants it to be. NO, that is not freedom. I honestly believe that Ian means well, he wants no one to suffer or go without, that is so obviously that is kind, and, so well-meaning, that you got to respect that, but, American's has rights and we in the live in the land of the free. I wish what Ian's wishes, no one suffers, no one goes hungry, no one goes uneducated, or homeless, but Ian's way of making us Socialistic isn't going to pan out here. What will work is what Ian doesn't like, more people volunteering, more churches helping out, more people getting involved and more people caring about each other. That is something I know we both agree on. Everyone agrees on, to care more.
There is hunger in all countries, homeless in all countries, people without medical care in all countries, not just the USA.
People need to be accountable for their actions as well. No one should live off the welfare system who can work. I think, accountablility is the USA's biggest problem we got. It is on every level. From those living off of the welfare system, to doctors like in my husband's case, who won't even apologize to me, instead, he put the blame on my husband. People on all levels, in any field, are too fast to put the blame on the other guy. To me, this is a huge loss for the United States. We lose honour. I take responsibilties for every one of my actions in life, and I think, we all should no matter what our capacitiy or walk in life may be. I maybe not be the smartest light bulb in the box, but, I am not the dimmest either.
We need to laugh more in life about silly things, people I think, I see, has lost the abililty to laugh to see the funny in stuff. I remember growing up and hearing and laughing with my dad while watching Ma & Pa Kettle...he would say, " oh that pa..."
What the world, not just the USA needs, is more laughter.
I am tired of meeting those who are so depressed, so angry, so judgemental of others. I have been judged my whole entire life by those that are supposed to love me.
I don't do it anymore. I cut people loose. I give when and to whome I want to. That includes my time, my energy and what little money I can. I choose.