If liberals have any talent at all, it is the ability to twist words and refuse to answer questions by trying to change the subject. Such talent is displayed by Bill Fritz, Hot Springs, Arkansas (Voices letter 05-01-2008), wherein he didn’t answer the question of where in the Constitution is the government given the power to take by force (taxes) in order to give to another. Neither did he answer why it is right to do so. But instead twisted what I have written time after time about forced contributions to social programs by declaring that, “Clem’s mistake is falsely labeling a person who believes it is his duty to support both his country and the less fortunate citizens who are his neighbors.” 

I won’t be as charitable as some would be and let the man off of the hook by saying that he has misspoken concerning what I have written or believe. He flat out lied about what I have previously written, and about my belief relative to giving to help others. I have written repeatedly in my letters and on this site that it is the responsibility of individuals to help those in need (not the government by force or in any other way for that matter not allowed by the Constitution), nor have I ever labeled anyone falsely or otherwise who believes that they should help others, but I do plead guilty for castigating those who believe that the government should use the ability to tax the government declared “rich” to provide for the government declared “needy.” Why he said I falsely labeled those who believe in supporting the country is beyond my psychic powers to discern the minds of the self-righteous liberals. (Read his letter below and learn in the first sentence the reason for the self-righteous comment.)

Never have I ever labeled anyone who supports this nation other than patriotic nor will I ever do so. But I will say that giving handouts to people isn’t supporting this nation’s ideals (nor is it patriotic) on which it was founded. Mr. Fritz needs to explain how creating dependence on the government is supporting the nation and is healthy for the life of all of the people and patriotic, all at the same time.

The natural order of life is to grow up and begin to provide for oneself instead of relying on others, namely parents or guardians. Yet, there are people who have attained adult hood in years who are still children because they want others to provide for them. That is a mental illness if there ever was one. Please explain why it isn’t an illness and why the government should foster such a mental state leading to a debilitating dependence?

Rather than accepting the fact that dependence on the government isn’t healthy for individuals and the nation collectively, Fritz wrote, “If there needs to be any labels affixed politically, rather than calling liberals mentally ill, I would substitute a label of selfish greed to conservatives.” So now, it is selfish greed for those who work, earn and achieve a measure of prosperity to want to keep and enjoy what is rightfully theirs. Actually, envy is the word for those who look with disdain upon those who have more. 

Paul wrote to Timothy the following words, Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; (I Timothy 6:17-18)  The verse teaches that each individual has a responsibility toward others and those with more are to help those who are in need. Yes, the word of God says it is an obligation, but Mr. Fritz, it isn’t the business of the government to tell anyone how much they must give or who they must support to fulfill the obligation.

I am seldom surprised at what liberals write and the last line of his letter is no exception. Fritz wrote, “I agree with a forced contribution fairly administered by elected officals [sic].” How can any sane person believe that the government should force anyone to share their property with others?

Do liberals not understand that what they actually propose is pure Communism? And since when do elected officials ever do anything fairly when money is in involved. The author of the book in which he stated that liberals suffer from a mental illness has been vindicated again by another proud liberal.

It would be far better if liberals would contribute to help others instead of telling the rest of us that we must be forced to do so by the government. In case he needs a history lesson on the matter, our nation was founded on freedom from the government with the liberty to live and do as one sees fit within the parameters of good behavior prescribed by the Bible. A return to those principles will cure our ills without the government telling us what to do and how to do it, Mr. Fritz included.

05-01-2008 DEC

The letter below is reproduced under the Fair Use Doctrine due to the fact that the writer used my name in his letter.

 Re the letter from Donald Clem: As a liberal, I have never received a governmental handout. I served my country for four years in the U.S. Navy and worked for 35 years for UPS. Clem’s mistake is falsely labeling a person who believes it is his duty to support both his country and the less fortunate citizens who are his neighbors.
   If there needs to be any labels affixed politically, rather than calling liberals mentally ill, I would substitute a label of selfish greed to conservatives. Any man who cannot understand the concept and obligation of the rich to help provide for the betterment of country and other members of society needs to look deeply at himself and his desire to grasp all of his wealth close to his heart.
   The often-given example of vast contributions given by the rich to their personal favorite charity does not fill the needs of our country. I agree with a forced contribution fairly administrated by elected officals.
   BILL FRITZ
   Hot Springs Village 5-1-2008