Flipping out or Both sides of the same coin.

   

On a one way, unpaved street.

     So earlier this week, while I was working I listened to live streaming radio on my Smartphone.  The channel I use switches between music and different types of talk radio just because I like a lot of variety in my listening.  It stopped on one talk between a Liberal type politician and a very Conservative host.  They were speaking about the various forms of social programs the US and State Government put out to help the poor and needy.  Needless to say (Ever notice that people always say, "Needless to say" then go right on and say it?  Kind of like "And now a man who needs no introduction."  Dude you just introduced him so obviously that's not true.) the Host took the usual "Well it is not the Government's job to take care of the poor, that is the job of charities and chuches" path and the Liberal took the "The Government needs to spend more money to fund programs that help the poor and needy no matter what!" path.  Usual dance going on, just on a different day.
     Now this got me thinking.  (Yeah I know, it is a bad habit and I am really trying to stop but its like eating bacon flavored, chocolate coated potato chips.  You can't stop with just one,)  I consider myself to be a fairly Moderate type person who can generally see the advantages of both sides of the political spectrum, so while I was scrubbing dishes and folding boxes, I really pondered the whole WELFARE (dramatic music inserted here complete with echos.) situation.  Sadly, as it often does, my thoughts went off on a tangent from where the thoughts began.  I began to ponder the people making the claims instead of the actual claims.
     Conservatives believe that there should be little or no Government sponsored support programs for the very poor and needy.  They believe that it is the job of the Churches, Charities and People to provide all of the things that might help people live a little better and maybe get out from under the burden of poverty.  Keep in mind that  most still believe (at least in spirit) that the Poor should be helped, just that the help should not come from tax dollars and the government.  To these people I say, "Great idea!  Noble sentiment!  So how much have YOU done to help the Poor and Needy today?  This week?  This month?"
     Now you'd think that the question would provoke overwhelming waves of how much good these Cantservatives have done.  Hours spent working in food kitchens.  Hundreds of dollars donated to to charities.  Dozens more hours spent helping out in Shelters and other places that help the poor and homeless.  I mean, if your entire political philosophy is based off the idea that it is the job of the common man to help make sure people have food to eat and shelter over their heads, then there must be an almost unending supply of people within your folds working to help, right?

Brother can you spare a dime?

     Well, not too surprisingly, the Cantservatives I have spoken too and the more vocal ones I see ranting on the news or in Interwebz articles listen to those questions and draw a completely blank look.  Most point out that they don't have time to help out and even  more point out that they don't have the extra cash to donate to charities.  Hells, most of them would be hard pressed to admit they tithe in church.  So they believe that it is the job of people and charities to help the poor, just not themselves.  There is the disconnect for Cantservatives.

Everybody dance!

     Now hold on there, partners.  Afore you Liberals get to dancing too much because of the nasty things I just said, let me tell you that y'all are next on this here hit parade.
     Liarberals believe that the Government should do everything it can to support and protect the Poor and Needy.  They think that billions of dollars should be spent willy nilly every single year to feed, clothe and house those that need help.  They feel that more and more programs should be designed to do this job all over the country.
     So, here is the disconnect when it comes to Liarberals at least as far as I can see.  Same sampling as the Cantservatives (personal experiences and listening to news and reading articles) shows me that when you ask them the same question as you ask the Cantservatives, "So how much have you done to help the poor and needy personally?" they get really vague and confused looks on their faces like they can't even begin to understand the question.  When you do get answers back it is generally along the lines of "Well that ain't my job, that is the Government's job.  That's why I pay my taxes."
     So you see, both sides have completely opposite reactions to how things should be done, but have the same opinion on what their personal responsibilities are.  It basically boils down to, "That ain't my responsibility, that is someone else's job.  The only difference is who they feel is supposed to do the job.
     Here is my personal two cents and you can take it for what it is worth.  It is EVERYONE'S responsibility to help people who need help.  The Government should do everything it can to help the poor and needy.  Charities and Churches should do the same thing.  Individuals should also do everything to help too.  It is not "someone else's job."  It's your job.

End of Rant.