Howard Dean was right.....
Well maybe just a little bit, but that title sure seemed like something I would never say. I saw Howard Dean on The Daily Show the other day and got to thinking about what he said. Basically he stated that the new "motto" of the Democratic party was "love thy neighbor as thyself." Which of course is the Biblical second great commandment.
So what does this mean for conservatives and Christians?
I have often said that the Government doesn't belong in social programs, personally I prefer a more libertarian style Federal Government. Smaller government leaves less chance for corruption and waste. It also means less money in taxes. However this doesn't appear likely to happen any time soon.
So what can be done to fix this? First of all, we need to stop relying on the Government or any particular party or person to solve the problem. Secondly, Howard Dean was right. We need to love our neighbors and ourselves. However his method of doing this and mine are different.
He would have the Democratic party start/fix social programs (health insurance, welfare, etc.). However, this just makes for a bigger government.
My solution? Christians need get up and do something (show some love)! The secular solution is for the government to throw money at a problem. This however is done without any real emotional ties. Christians need to get our and support Charities. If there aren't enough Christian shelters or food pantries around, then get more started. Tired of paying more in Medicare and taxes to fund the uninsured? Support or start Christian medical clinics. I could go on, but this can only work if there are a lot of people involved. Christ told us to love our neighbors, so why are we letting ourselves off? Paying someone else to do things, just isn't working well enough.
This sort of movement would have two initial affects. First, there would be less demand for government programs (making conservatives and libertarians happy) and second it would give Christians more opportunities for spreading the Gospel.
So what does this mean for conservatives and Christians?
I have often said that the Government doesn't belong in social programs, personally I prefer a more libertarian style Federal Government. Smaller government leaves less chance for corruption and waste. It also means less money in taxes. However this doesn't appear likely to happen any time soon.
So what can be done to fix this? First of all, we need to stop relying on the Government or any particular party or person to solve the problem. Secondly, Howard Dean was right. We need to love our neighbors and ourselves. However his method of doing this and mine are different.
He would have the Democratic party start/fix social programs (health insurance, welfare, etc.). However, this just makes for a bigger government.
My solution? Christians need get up and do something (show some love)! The secular solution is for the government to throw money at a problem. This however is done without any real emotional ties. Christians need to get our and support Charities. If there aren't enough Christian shelters or food pantries around, then get more started. Tired of paying more in Medicare and taxes to fund the uninsured? Support or start Christian medical clinics. I could go on, but this can only work if there are a lot of people involved. Christ told us to love our neighbors, so why are we letting ourselves off? Paying someone else to do things, just isn't working well enough.
This sort of movement would have two initial affects. First, there would be less demand for government programs (making conservatives and libertarians happy) and second it would give Christians more opportunities for spreading the Gospel.
Matthew 25:37-40
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
