FA+
Shop
What Would Jesus Cut?
13 years ago
General
I've heard this question asked before, rhetorically, in a left-wing attempt to convince people to not cut "welfare" programs and instead focus on military cuts and things of that nature.
Now, to be sure, I completely support cutting defense spending by bringing the troops home from the 100+ countries they're in, rapidly ending the war in Afghanistan, and instead look at how to fight terrorism--if necessary--with a light footprint.
Apart from that, though, cutting defense just ain't enough. Big chunks of the Federal budget these days are entitlements, and I suppose I'm supposed to not dare to support touching those because Jesus wouldn't.
Ignoring the obvious counter that these so-called "welfare" programs are extremely inefficient, ineffective, and wasteful--who gives a damn what Jesus would cut? We're supposed to have a secular state, aren't we? Or is the whole separation between church and state something that only applies when right-wingers want to let kids pray in school or what have you?
Further still, when you get right down to it, Jesus was not the genius he seems to be regarded as today. Sure, he was a great force in civilizing humanities (and still is in many ways), but he never had the responsibility of being a politician. And, at the end of the day, many of his ideas--with regards to collectivism, community, and altruism--are simply wrong as far as I'm concerned.
Now, to be sure, I completely support cutting defense spending by bringing the troops home from the 100+ countries they're in, rapidly ending the war in Afghanistan, and instead look at how to fight terrorism--if necessary--with a light footprint.
Apart from that, though, cutting defense just ain't enough. Big chunks of the Federal budget these days are entitlements, and I suppose I'm supposed to not dare to support touching those because Jesus wouldn't.
Ignoring the obvious counter that these so-called "welfare" programs are extremely inefficient, ineffective, and wasteful--who gives a damn what Jesus would cut? We're supposed to have a secular state, aren't we? Or is the whole separation between church and state something that only applies when right-wingers want to let kids pray in school or what have you?
Further still, when you get right down to it, Jesus was not the genius he seems to be regarded as today. Sure, he was a great force in civilizing humanities (and still is in many ways), but he never had the responsibility of being a politician. And, at the end of the day, many of his ideas--with regards to collectivism, community, and altruism--are simply wrong as far as I'm concerned.
Plus, what of the (second) greatest commandment? Love thy neighbour as thou lovest thyself? Think carefully on that and consider this; what is more loving? To have someone be dependent on hand outs and charity, or to allow themselves to become self sufficient and financially independent? I think most Christians would choose the latter.
Also, most people who use Jesus as a talking point wouldn't give a shit what he had to say in any other situation. Jesus was living in a time with entirely different politics