If you oppose a government program, someone will suggest that you “hate” the people on the receiving end of the government largesse.
Surely, however, it is a simple minded error to assume that if the government does not help someone then nobody will do so? Isn’t it more dubious to claim that aid from the government has the same impact on a person as money from a private person or charity?
Government growth leads to a decline in personal liberty. Liberty is good and so helping others using government (which may or may not be good) will surely lead to a decline in another good.
Isn’t the question how much loss of liberty can be tolerated? Some government is necessary (and mandated by God), but that does not mean all goods should come through government. The left sees this truth in the area of sexual morality, but forgets it in the area of economics.
So here is my basic truth for today: Opposition to government programs does not equal a lack of support for the people who would receive them.
You have a decision to make: double or nothing.
For this week only, a generous supporter has offered to fully match all new and increased donations to First Things up to $60,000.
In other words, your gift of $50 unlocks $100 for First Things, your gift of $100 unlocks $200, and so on, up to a total of $120,000. But if you don’t give, nothing.
So what will it be, dear reader: double, or nothing?
Make your year-end gift go twice as far for First Things by giving now.
