Welfare is a wonderful thing. It is Christianity at its best, or humanity at its best for anyone that doesn't believe in Christ. But religious views aside; in my opinion, there can be no better way to spend one's time or money than in serving your fellow man.
That said, the government couldn't have gotten their welfare program more wrong if they'd tried. Instead of offering a hand up, they offer a hand out; a crutch instead of a shovel or a hammer.
Too many people have become dependent on the government welfare system and intentionally keep their incomes low so as to not be removed from various welfare programs.
This is not to say that anybody who is on government welfare fits this description. Clearly, that couldn't possibly be true. But those who use it for its intended purpose rather than abuse it would benefit just as much from locally run organizations with better controls over who receives aid, of what nature and for what period of time.
The federal government needs to get out of the welfare industry and allow states, counties and cities to run such programs based on the needs of their specific areas and with the best interests of the individuals at heart.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. If he is unable to fish, find something he can do and teach him to do that. Everyone can contribute to society and will be happier if they do.
I have seen efficient charitable organizations and programs first hand, they should be commended for what they do and how well they do it. The federal government could learn a lot from them.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Where I stand - on deciding for whom to vote
Though it may often seem the coin flip technique is as good as anything else; and that one voice out of millions can't make a difference, I believe in making the best choice possible.
That choice is not based on the name of the candidate or party to which they belong.
Nor does it have to be somebody who has never made a mistake or has exactly the same viewpoints as you on every issue.
It has to be the person that wants to take the (country, county, city, state, etc) in a direction you believe in, has the capability to do so, and has the work ethic to give it the time it deserves. (Capability is a mix of skill, experience and desire)
Those who cannot compromise must live alone.
Those who never change their viewpoints on anything may be too stubborn to learn to compromise.
Those who constantly change their viewpoints may be too easily swayed by peer pressure.
But those who do not listen to their constituents are not fit for office. We elect people to represent us, not to direct us.
So, all of this said, who is the best man to be our next president? The answer is simple. Steve Rogers; Captain America. But since his name isn't in the hat, I will look for those who show similar leadership, selflessness, humility and valor. IMO, the perfect candidate is not running. But when I cast my vote, it will be for the best choice that I have at that time. Even if that ends up being somebody I voted against previously. I do not see this as picking between the lesser of two evils. I see it as my duty as a citizen of the United States of America.
Get out there and vote.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Where I stand - on the separation of church and state
I believe in the separation of church and state and believe that means the freedom "of" religion versus the freedom "from" religion.
The government should not dictate the religious beliefs of the people. Nor should they ban religious beliefs, practices or services. Prayer is my right and the government has no more right to prevent me from praying than they have to force others to pray.
In general, I feel my personal religious beliefs are irrelevant when discussing my political views. But in this situation, both my religious and political views can be explained by the 11th article of faith from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
The only time the government should get involved in religion is when people are being put in harm's way. In those cases, it is the job of the government to protect those that are unable to protect themselves.
The government should not dictate the religious beliefs of the people. Nor should they ban religious beliefs, practices or services. Prayer is my right and the government has no more right to prevent me from praying than they have to force others to pray.
In general, I feel my personal religious beliefs are irrelevant when discussing my political views. But in this situation, both my religious and political views can be explained by the 11th article of faith from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
The only time the government should get involved in religion is when people are being put in harm's way. In those cases, it is the job of the government to protect those that are unable to protect themselves.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Where I stand - on taxes
I don't like paying taxes, or at least not as much as it seems I have to pay (income - both federal and state, social security, medicare, property tax, vehicle registration, sales tax, etc); but at the same time I believe our government needs to have money in order to function and we must have a government.
I believe that everyone should pay taxes, even though some will pay more than others. Nobody should get more money in a "tax refund" than they actually paid in taxes that year (though some may end up getting most of what they paid refunded depending on their circumstances).
Welfare and tax refunds should be kept separate and I will discuss welfare separately.
I don't know enough about the people that start business to know if they would stop starting business if their tax rates were increased, so I can't speculate on that. I do know that as a small business owner, I enjoy being able to give others work and pay them for the work they do. Profit from the company often goes back into the company and if my tax rate were increased, I would have less money that I could put back into my company.
I feel a flat tax rate would be the most fair, but baring that, we need to cut a few hundred thousand lines of text out of our current tax code. In programming, we have a saying called "KISS". Which stands for "Keep It Simple, Stupid". I believe the same applies to tax law.
I believe that everyone should pay taxes, even though some will pay more than others. Nobody should get more money in a "tax refund" than they actually paid in taxes that year (though some may end up getting most of what they paid refunded depending on their circumstances).
Welfare and tax refunds should be kept separate and I will discuss welfare separately.
I don't know enough about the people that start business to know if they would stop starting business if their tax rates were increased, so I can't speculate on that. I do know that as a small business owner, I enjoy being able to give others work and pay them for the work they do. Profit from the company often goes back into the company and if my tax rate were increased, I would have less money that I could put back into my company.
I feel a flat tax rate would be the most fair, but baring that, we need to cut a few hundred thousand lines of text out of our current tax code. In programming, we have a saying called "KISS". Which stands for "Keep It Simple, Stupid". I believe the same applies to tax law.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Where I stand - on gun control
In general I am opposed.
I believe that law abiding citizens should be allowed to own guns, as long as the ownership of those firearms does not impose undue risk to society. This means that a loaded shotgun should not be placed in the corner of a home where the mother offers daycare services.
Open carry is legal in my state, but that doesn't mean somebody should walk down the street hefting an AK47 and a pump-action shotgun. That kind of behavior can cause people alarm.
Criminals will find a way to get firearms even if they are outlawed and firearms in the hands of responsible, law-abiding citizens do not worry me.
That said, if somebody else is in favor of some form of gun control, I cannot fault them for it without first knowing all of the factors behind their decision.
I believe that law abiding citizens should be allowed to own guns, as long as the ownership of those firearms does not impose undue risk to society. This means that a loaded shotgun should not be placed in the corner of a home where the mother offers daycare services.
Open carry is legal in my state, but that doesn't mean somebody should walk down the street hefting an AK47 and a pump-action shotgun. That kind of behavior can cause people alarm.
Criminals will find a way to get firearms even if they are outlawed and firearms in the hands of responsible, law-abiding citizens do not worry me.
That said, if somebody else is in favor of some form of gun control, I cannot fault them for it without first knowing all of the factors behind their decision.
Where I stand
I don't know if my actions will inspire anyone else, but I personally wish that politicians would make it very clear where they stand on issues. This wouldn't mean they are incapable of compromise, but I tire of rambling instead of answering the question.
For that reason, I am going to start posting my own views on various topics and issues. Comments and even debate are welcome, I only ask that everyone be civil as some of my opinions could be polarizing. Also, please note that if my views differ from your own, that doesn't mean I think any less of you. All views are valid.
Also, if you'd like to know where I stand on a particular issue, let me know and I'll work it into my postings.
For that reason, I am going to start posting my own views on various topics and issues. Comments and even debate are welcome, I only ask that everyone be civil as some of my opinions could be polarizing. Also, please note that if my views differ from your own, that doesn't mean I think any less of you. All views are valid.
Also, if you'd like to know where I stand on a particular issue, let me know and I'll work it into my postings.
Friday, September 10, 2010
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