Giving Government Money is Not Christian Compassion

Member Group : Reflections

In Joseph Sabino Mistick’s op-ed titled "Tom Corbett is suddenly alone," published Oct. 27, we are treated to the view that any righteous person with an ounce of compassion and a heart with a speck of generosity would jump at the opportunity to take free federal money and give it to the poor.

It is even suggested via the use of a quote that this represents "Christian compassion." This argument attempts to marginalize anyone courageous enough seek a better solution.

The reality is there is no free lunch. Is it compassion to steal more than $17 trillion from the next generation, including even the unborn, so that you can proudly declare your compassion and generosity?

In fact — since Christianity was brought into this discussion — it was Christianity’s founder who called those engaged in stealing from others to provide charity "vipers" and "clean on the outside, but dirty on the inside."

Is it compassion to pretend money from Washington is free?

Is it compassion to lie and use other people’s money so that we can proudly proclaim our superior humanity?

Is not the real act of compassion, in the face of criticism, to have the courage to reform the system instead of perpetrating for political power the fraud that we can throw "other people’s money" at the problem for free?

Isn’t compassion addressing why Pennsylvania is spending 34 percent more per person on Medicaid than surrounding states? Isn’t compassion addressing why fewer Pennsylvania doctors are accepting Medicaid? What good is coverage and no care?

It appears that some believe compassion is bragging about putting more people on the government plantation even when the plantation is not sustainable. Should these people be called "vipers" or should they be rewarded with votes for their great compassion?

Prior to engaging in fraudulent compassion and generosity with "other people’s money," let’s engage in some critical thinking and reward a governor demanding sustainable results.

It is time to demand that our leaders focus on the next generation instead of the next election.

Bob Howard lives in Marshall Township.