Americans are caring people. It's an attribute that should make us proud. When a local television station covers a family facing a crisis, hundreds of local citizens respond with services and financial support. Charity is good for the soul, and it is good for our communities. We care enough to put our time and resources into a meaningful mission that makes a difference. The response to the LA fires has been but another example of how people rally to support those in need after a disaster. After all, caring for our own families and neighbors is not our government's job. It's our responsibility.
Our Constitution was written to protect citizens from an over-reaching, all-powerful government. They had enough tyranny under their European overlords. Our founders wanted freedom and the opportunity to find their own way and use their hard-earned resources to handle their own problems.
Nowhere in our Constitution are citizens given the right to healthcare, lodging, food, a "living" wage, or even a minimum wage. These rights have been manufactured, and politicians have promised special interest groups special support to attract their votes. After years of government largesse, far too many Americans feel entitled to support, rent control, housing, and a good living whether they have earned it or not. Today, too many dependent Americans are benefit rich and accountability poor. Self-reliance seems to be an outdated value for those trapped in victim thinking and government dependence.
As Trump's administration works to turn the spigot off for excessive entitlements, people are wondering where support will come from for those truly in need. As throughout our history, churches and non-profits are there to provide local support. Instead of looking to government, it's time we cut taxes and let Americans donate to the churches and organizations that put their caring into meaningful and efficient services. It's time to let non-profits compete for our donations by showing how their donations are used to produce the desired results. When you make a difference locally, Americans will donate, and they will volunteer their time to serve.
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Government funding is not efficient. Money is lost in the bureaucracy built around failing agencies. When you elect politicians promising to support such agencies, you are essentially electing people who will use other people's money to do your charity. That's right. The bottom 50% of Americans get to vote, but they pay less than 3% of the federal income tax revenue. The top 10% of wage earners - everyone who made at least $169,800 - pay $1.7 trillion or 76% of the total income taxes.
To say that the rich don't pay their fair share is absurd. It would be more accurate to say that half of American voters pay nearly none of the income taxes that support the entitlements they expect to receive. If there was a flat income tax in America, the clamor for more entitlements would likely end.
Government spending is out of control and our national debt just keeps growing while there has been no President who has successfully actually cut spending. Donald Trump and his team promise to change that. Yes, some entitlements will end or be seriously cut back. He promised to do just that, and he has already shown that he meant would he said. With his cabinet fully in place and DOGE under Elon Musk fully operational, expect even more cuts.
Do you want to help those truly in need? Support local charities that are making a difference. Donate to services that have shown proven results and efficient use of their funds. Trump promises lower taxes so that Americans can use their discretionary money to support what works where they live. People in need are not owed government support, but they are worthy of charity to help them get back on their feet. It's time for charity and self-sufficiency to be values we champion and support. President Trump is working at breakneck speed to make that so.
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