Government is not...

A great commentary by John Hood that helps to explain government in terms that liberals and Democrats simply cannot comprehend.

Government is not a charity...It is coercive, not charitable.

That's a point I try to make over and over again. It is quite literally impossible for government to extend charity in any way, shape, or form. Every single dollar that government has, they have taken by force of arms. Don't believe me? Try and get past today without sending the proper forms in to the state.

In a true charitable situation, there is a giver and a receiver. When the giver voluntarily gives, they are aware of the donation and can see the immediate results. The giver can decide for themselves if their money, which they actually worked to receive, should be given to whom, and for what purposes.

The receiver in a truly charitable situation, receives the money that they know was earned. They may see the giver and know that the giver honestly believes in the receiver. There is often a quite real relationship that is formed between the giver and the receiver -- both benefit.

In many cases, the giver may never see the receiver -- an anonymous donation is often one of the best, as both parties still benefit without additional complications.

However, when this is extended to government, all benefits of the charitable situation disappear. The giver has no choice. The giver is required to "donate" their money, or they will be placed in jail. That's the power government has. The giver has no say over who or what will receive the "donation." If large amounts of waste are present in the system, again, the giver has no way to control that situation.

In addition, the giver receives no relationship with the receiver. The giver does not know who will receive the money, nor how much they will actually receive. The giver cannot determine not only if their hard-earned money will be used for causes they believe in; but also the amount that will be used.

The receiver in a government "charity" situation also does not benefit. They do not know who the giver is. They often are faced with bureaucratic hurdles that make getting the "donation" harder. And they are told by those who distribute the wealth that these people "deserve" the money.

The receiver does not receive the knowledge that someone actually believes in them or their ideas, because they see that others are also receiving the exact same amount, or the exact same benefits, no matter their own, or others', personal actions.

When government takes from one person, by force, and gives to another, both parties are worse off. Government is literally incapable of charity -- no matter if it's for "the children(TM), arts, "the poor," or any other reason -- so stop trying to claim they are.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:02 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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