There was a time when people who felt that if they were blessed they then should not begrudge others, but help them and pass the blessing on to others. This included not only rich people, but our society in general. I remember this idea being often expressed in one way or another when I was a kid. It seems greed has overtaken the Christian belief in charity and helping those who have less and need help.
The Rich Haven’t Always Hated Taxes
Discussion in 'News & Current Events' started by Crabtownboy, Sep 24, 2012.
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Crabby, that's downright deceitful. Giving of taxes which are used for the purpose of government is one thing; charitable giving above and beyond just paying taxes is quite another. And we all know--including you--that Romney gave more than his "fair share" of charitable giving.
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I am not sure what you mean by "fair share", but that is a topic for another thread.
But we did see Romney's attitude toward the less well off in his 47% comment and to me it reflects the thinking of many people in our society ... one that I believe is quite un-Christian. To me this attitude/belief flies in the fact of, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
My post was not so much a criticism of Romney as a condemnation of a popularly held belief in our society. I fear many in our society have come to believe that if a person is poor they are automatically lazy, irresponsible and brought their troubles on themselves and do not deserve help. To me this is anathema to the teachings of Christ. And there was a time, at least where I grew up, where it was believed that those with less should be helped. I believe in both paying taxes and in charity in helping others. -
Just a bit of history?
In 1913 the top individual rate was 7% -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I believe that the less fortunate should be helped as well. Just not through the government. The government is the most inefficient way to to it and places to much control over peoples lives.
What is unChristian is to pretend that if it does not happen through government it does not happen at all. -
Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
And I would rather see the government provide help than no help be given. Yes, it would be better if such help came through churches. But as far as I can see that is not about to happen on a scale that would be required to meet the need. -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Especially since the government was a major player in creating so many in this "less fortunate" and "entitled" society.
Today I'm one of the 47%.
Nothing gets my ire up much more than bleeding heart liberals wanting to increase our numbers. Wanting to strike fear in our hearts that someone wants to cut off the hand that feeds us.
I do believe the less fortunate should be helped. Further, I practice what I preach. Indeed help feed the scriptures version of "widows and orphans". Far too many today have become the government's version of "widows and orphans".
When abled bodied men and women refuse job offers because they're feeding at the government trough, I'm reminded of scriptures.
Proverbs - KJB
20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
2 Thessalonians 3: KJB
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Those are the ones who will vote to keep the handouts coming. Some of us will vote according to these scriptures. -
InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Do you approve of the government extract money to kill innocent civilians in other countries as a blessing?
What would you rather our government do, help people or kill them? -
The post WW2 "middle class" bubble caused people to expect to be richer every year. Now that the bubble has popped I think the kids in school now will come to their senses and not buy toys on credit.
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InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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The government "help" people?!?
Then how about focusing on what the government is supposed to do: reduce unnecessary restrictions that stifle economic progress, thus making it easier for individual taxpayers to give more to the areas that they individually deem important? Rather than force all taxpayers to give to whatever the government deems are the "worthy causes"?
You really seem to have no for the biblical concept of individual responsibility. -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Great posts, Old Timer and ITL.
And, yes, CTB, you are trying to derail your own thread. The rich paying taxes has nothing to do with government killing. Start another thread about that. Thanks.
I read somewhere that even if you tax the rich 100%, it would only take care of about 1 week's worth of interest on our national debt. The problem is spending, not taxes.