March 26, 2010

Hmm. Christian Libertarian on government disability

Seriously:
"Whether Vanderboegh appreciates the irony of a radical libertarian, who demands that a small government leave people alone, getting taxpayer-financed checks from the government not to work, is unclear.

But reading this, I'm reminded of the recent scene in Ohio, in which Tea Party activists berated a man with Parkinson's. A conservative told the ailing man, 'You're looking for a hand-out, you're in the wrong end of town. Nothing for free over here, you have to work for everything you get.' Another conservative, after mocking the man with wadded bills, shouted, 'No more hand-outs!'"

Reminds me of the "keep your government out of my Medicare" nonsense. I really think that the vast bulk of the radical right has never even thought any of this through. And Dick Armey and his corporate backers are playing them for populist anger. I am sure that is good for our Republic.

4 comments:

steves said...

The only thing that comes to mind is WTF?!?!? A true Libertarian wouldn't tolerate living off some kind of gov't handout, would they? I suppose they would say he should have bought some private disability insurance or went to a charity (or church) for help.

I think that many conservatives are comfortable with some level of gov't programs, but like most people, they want to pick and choose what they are. Unfortunately, in a pluralistic society, this just isn't realistic. People like Vanderboegh seem to be stupid, or maybe just ignorant. I don't know how they reconcile their internal contrasting viewpoints.

leighton said...

My guess is that this is the same kind of thing where many of the most vehemently anti-gay politicians turn out to be gay themselves. It's consistent to speak out against things you (1) do and (2) hate when you simultaneously hate yourself.

Streak said...

Leighton, doesn't that imply a certain amount of awareness? I am not sure these people even realize that they get help from the Government.

leighton said...

Streak, you're probably right. I just don't have a good sense of what it's like to know how to get dressed in the morning but not know exactly where my money comes from and why. I can't imagine living like that.