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Anyone that has bought into scare tactics implying libertarianism will lead to a complete social regression into the 1950s is a moron.
Libertarianism is not 'everyone do whatever you want, government has no power'
I think Rathmoon posted a very well put together youtube flash illustration that sums it up perfectly.
If Paul will do two things, he has my vote:
1) End the military industrial complex
2) Scale back the role of the government to matters of security, fiscal responsibility and welfare of it's constituents (not to be confused with welfare FOR it's constituents)
I don't have any issues with programs providing assistance to people that need it. I do have an issue with people not taking steps to actively improve their situation and their lives.
I have firsthand experience in a privately run rehabilitation program for the mentally ill in my area. I have bipolar disorder, this is no secret to those that know me nor is it anything I am afraid to admit or talk about. This program received some funding through the government in the form of grants, and a close partnership with DORS (Department of Rehabilitative Services).
For a small minority of the participants, it did it's job effectively and it resulted in some people who otherwise would have ended up dead, strung out, behind bars or in poverty making progressive changes in their lives and learning about their illness, how to manage it, where to go for help, etc. It helped them attain higher education, find employment and retain employment. For these people, the program was highly successful.
For most of the participants, particularly those middle aged or elderly, they attended the mandatory one group per day minimum requirement, and it was usually an elective-like group (like Bowling Trip Day) or something otherwise marginally useful for recovery. The other time, they spent chain smoking cigarette after cigarette out front in the designated smoking area, talking amongst themselves, bitching and complaining about what an evil program it was and that they refused to get a job because this program would require them to pay 50% of their earnings back into the program to help offset costs. While I disagree with giving freeloaders an easy ride, and having those that do obtain employment pay while others who do nothing do not pay, I view it as a necessary evil.
So like I was saying, they spent all day chain smoking cigarettes that they bought with their supplemental security income, went to the doctor for emphysema, lung cancer, bronchitis, whatever. They dug through trash cans wherever they found them to pick out half smoked cigarettes and smoked the remaining tobacco. They went home to their housing unit (which were VERY nice and well furnished) and ate food that they bought with their EBT cards.
My point is, I have no issue with people who use these services (services, not to be confused with mandated rights) to help themselves and their families (if applicable) develop a better life.
My issue is with people who become complacent in their situations, with the knowledge that they will always be taken care of. I am offended that there are people out there that work 2-3 Full Time jobs hardly sleeping at all to support their families and that receive these benefits, socking away money so that they can "make it", while there are others who sleep comfortably in public housing, eat publicly paid for food, smoke cigarettes bought with supplemental security income, receive medical treatment for their pisspoor treatment of their bodies on the government's dime, all while doing nothing to make their lives and situations better.
If you can keep a straight face and tell me that this is an unreasonable way of thinking..
BrawlsackTaking an extended hiatus from gaming
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