I recently read an article in the magazine Costco sends out monthly about people involved in charity work. At first and second glance it was heartwarming. These are people trying to reach out and help those in need. Who could have a problem with that?
Pumice.
In almost every case I could say they are preventing people from standing on their own two feet. The problem with charity work is that it tends to interrupt the normal flow of economics and responsibility. It gets people making choices based on false realities.
Let me give you an example that I am stealing from someone from long ago. There was a basketball coach who had a cause. He was concerned for people without shoes in third world countries. He put a program in place that gathered thousands of pairs of shoes and took them overseas to distribute among those in need. Who could have a problem with that?
Whomever I am stealing this from.
What are the results of this? In the country that got the free shoes, the people who made shoes were put out of work. The people that sold shoes made no money. Entrepreneurs who might have stepped forward left the country or went to work for a Chinese multinational. Short term they got shoes. Long term they lost a future. Think about that next time you want to subsidize someone’s health care or income. It used to be if you wanted a better life you would get training, work longer hours, take a chance on a new idea or marry well. In the Progressive era you just look like a victim and hold out your hand.
Charity should be either “emergency only” or genuine preparation for the future.
homo unius libri
For the most part, I'd have to agree.
ReplyDeleteI am also aware that people like me, with none of the gift of mercy, need to work at kindness when dealing with people in need. For me it is a tough balance.
DeleteGrace and peace