Where does money come from?
It grows on trees… right? Perhaps a new tree named Obama?
I’m not a Rush fan (can’t listen to talk radio during the day anyway) but I did hear about his broadcast of the clips contained at the following link. Please listen to the following for the two clips from WJR radio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKb78kJhaMw
Amazing! So now we live in a land where people think Obama is the source of free money. Like one person said in the last clip, that’s why she voted for him. Just like, I’m sure you all remember, this lady said…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P36×8rTb3jI
I just can’t stop shaking my head.
Update: A friend forwarded me the following link about the “Obama Money” videos and sound bites. This gives more background about what was going on, as many may not be aware, and offers a different perspective.
While I appreciate the above author’s reference to Jesus wanting us to help the poor, situations like this help illustrate some points about why funneling that money through government is a bad idea. (BTW: contrary to the above author, I bet most of those complaining give to their churches, local food pantries, and other groups that help the poor.)
The problems with government handouts (particularly those that are long term) are many so I’ll just stick with the point most applicable to this situation for now.
When people get money from “the government” instead of through local charitable organizations, there is a natural tendency for them to forget the fact that other real people are giving up that money, voluntarily or not, so that they can get the help. As such, the responsibility to do better and not rely on such handouts in the future is not so keenly felt.
If people rely more on local charity with local donors, in their times of need, they are more likely (still not an absolute) to associate that money with the actual donors. I believe most, then, would be less likely to come back over and over but would more likely work harder at avoiding the situations that cause the need.
But, when we disassociate the money from the source… bad behavior happens. Keep in mind, as I have mentioned in other blogs or comments, I spent some time in some rough neighborhoods I my youth.
I can remember an acquaintance that shoplifted and said it was no big deal because she only stole from big stores who could “write off” the loss.
I can remember another acquaintance that participated in a home burglary and said it was no big deal because the insurance company would pay for it.
Such disassociations are natural and easy rationalizations… and are not to be encouraged.
How many of the people lined up for “Obama money” really appreciated the true source of that money? How many thought about that money mostly coming from real people who are working hard, spending responsibly, and may also be struggling to make ends meet?
October 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Actually I would like to know whare The Cincinnati Tea Party Money goes. All the donations, merchandise, tickets to events. I am sure the few rally;s that you’ve thrown don;t use it all. Exactly whats your take?
Oh also.
I got the email where you urge Tea Party members to call Olympia Snowne and Blanche Lincoln.
Please call Senators Snowe and Lincoln and tell them you expect them to vote no on a public option, vote no on an individual mandate, and vote no if not given time to read the bill. Remember, re-election is always a top priority for them. Tell them you will be watching their votes closely and while you cannot vote for them, you will financially support Snowe’s primary opponent in 2012, and Lincoln’s Republican opponent in 2010. Please call try to call once/day if you can for the next week
By doing this and not being constituants it could be considered harrasement. I have already foewarded a copy of that email to Snowe and Lincolm.
October 10th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Will –
Senators draw their Salaries(and budgets) from the Federal budget. Therefore, all taxpayers share in their salaries. Furthermore, decisions they make impact all states in the union. As a result, calls from Cincinnati are as valid as calls from their home towns.
It is a joy to see the power of the tea parties by responses like yours. Thanks for disseminating our information on the national scale.
October 10th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Will, to your other question about “our take” all funds are accounted for as required by law and no one takes any money for personal profit. Though, it would be nice to someday be able to have someone on salary as this is hard for all of us to do in our free time outside our day jobs. Thanks for your concern. ha.
October 12th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Brian please disclose records.
Especially those concerning any cross funding to The Liberty Council. Ha!
October 15th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
One does not have to be religious to recognize that generosity and compassion are praiseworthy virtues. All people seeking to become a better people would do well fostering these virtues. The problem with the redistributive schemes (heavy or light)is that they deny a person the opportunities to practice and develop these virtues. How can you be generous giving what is not yours? How can you be grateful for receiving an entitlement? How is it compassionate to cripple a person by making them dependent?
-From the Ravings of the Psychomancer