If You Don't Work, You Don't Eat

I am a firm believer in the rights guaranteed by the Constitution as well as a strong supporter of capitalism. However, the other day I was chatting with a friend in the UK, we had quite the debate about free governments like the US versus socialistic governments like the UK. This discussion caused him to write a blog post about it and challenged me to write a rebuttal of sorts. (You can view his post here.)

While I agree with his point of everyone sharing for the common good of man, I also strongly disagree. Let me explain, as a Christian I agree, we should be doing our best to look out for and take care of others. Jesus Himself said that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Luke 6:38). However, I feel like I should be the one to choose how, where, and the amount that I give to others and whether that be a gift of money, time or both. I do not think that the government should be doing this for me, for many reasons, but from strictly a Christians view point, it is because my government does not always support causes and charities that I agree with. They support gay rights, abortion clinics, embryonic stem cell research and on the list could go. If I can help it, I don't want my money going to those things.

I think in its purest form communism is the best economic structure (and yes, I do know that Sam said he didn't believe in communism, I'm just using this for my point), but sadly it is terribly tainted by sin. Socialism is a weaker form of communism, and capitalism is its exact opposite. Capitalism gives people the ability to move from the bottom to the top if they are willing to work. Capitalism encourages growth and work. It gives rewards for effort and punishment for laziness. It applies a very biblical principle, that of, "if you don't work you don't eat." (II Thessalonians 3:10) Pretty much, if you want something you've got to work for it, the government isn't going to give you anything. I'm not against homeless shelters, food pantries, soup kitchens, etc., but only if they are privatized and run by individuals, churches, or companies, NOT the government.

The best American example of failure that I can think of in the regard is that of the welfare system. My tax dollars go to support people, most of whom are perfectly capable, yet too lazy to get a job. So while I'm out working two jobs trying to pay my way through school, others are sitting at home watching TV while being paid by me. Yes, I understand, some people really do need the welfare, but not most, and those who do need it could get help from other organizations than the government if they needed to. Most people simply need to get out and try to work.

While I'm all for sharing, I'm also all against the spreading of wealth and most socialist ideals. Most people are wealthy for a reason -- they actually worked hard and spend years earning it. The people who are receiving government help are usually too lazy to try, and because they've been given everything all their lives they expect to get it for the rest of their life. "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." ~Proverbs 10:4