lost-and-searching-in-america:
As a strong minded, opinionated Libertarian it wouldn’t take much guess work to determine where I stand on government social welfare programs. I am as radically opposed as possible. I feel that social welfare bleeds the budget, burdens tax payers and helps to breed a society of perpetual children who are forever looking for Mom to provide for them. Obviously this view attracts much criticism from those that feel it is a cold, harsh way to treat the less fortunate and under privileged. However, there is of course a better alternative to social welfare, and that is replacing it with volunteerism.
I know that I don’t need to sell the idea of volunteerism to most Libertarians, it is a widely toted idea. To end social programs that burden tax payers and replace it with the compassionate volunteering of the individual. Volunteerism comes in the form of donating money, goods, counseling, services and most importantly time to causes that with enough self-less man power could make social welfare obsolete. It is truly a glorious thought that people can all take care of those in real need out of self decency and remove the state.
The problem with it is that people just don’t want to volunteer. Everyone loves the idea, but just assumes that the next guy will see to it. But when everyone takes that attitude than we just have a great idea for books and philosophy, but we remain in neutral as far as putting these ideas into action.
The best example of volunteerism is the local small to medium sized Church. Most churches operate off of a budget that is 90% given voluntarily by it’s members. When people tithe to a local church that money goes to pay the essential staff, maintenance, power, various programs, mission trips, food pantries, cloths closets, emergency medical funds, etc. Without the voluntary tithes than none of the desired ministries and programs are possible. If everyone in the church decides that they want to start a soup kitchen for the homeless but only three people commit to supporting the program via time or resources than the program cannot sustain itself. This is the issue that we are facing when it comes to doing away with socialistic programs. 100 people will say more people should volunteer and help feed the homeless, take care of the sick, provide legal care, etc. But than only 3 of those 100 actually do it!
If people want this idea to succeed than they need to stop blogging about it and lead by example
100% agreed. Libertarians ought to be the most engaged in civil society, volunteering for and giving to community projects on a committed and regular basis. Walking the walk will always be more important than talking the talk.
Don’t let your personal lifestyle be the single best argument against your philosophy. If you don’t give and volunteer, I can promise you that in the area of social welfare policy, it absolutely will be.
