Politics of Compassion

I have heard the term compassion used in politics to the point of ad nauseam! Words are in real danger of losing their meaning when they are politicized, and the word compassion is no exception. It is important not to allow such a virtue to be adulterated by persons seeking votes, and political parties trying to manipulate the generosity of America.

Compassion can be an individual or social action. Compassion is the awareness of the suffering of another, and the willingness to act to alleviate it. The problem with compassion and politics, is that compassion becomes a means to an end (power), and therefore becomes a vulgar reconstruction. A good example is taxation. Taxes are not suppose to be collected in the name of compassion, but for purposes accorded by the constitution. When taxes are increased in the name of compassion it is suspect. Why? Taking money from one person and giving it to another is not compassion, it is confiscation. Even it is constitutional (within the law), it is not compassion because it cost Washington nothing to give another person's money away. If I take five dollars from Joe and give it to Jane because she is hungry, I would not be considered compassionate because I gave nothing of myself, but took from another. I am nothing more than a middle man for compassion.

Government must be governed by law and not compassion for this reason: compassion can be twisted and mangled to afford almost anything. When law and compassion collide, law must prevail. If Americans believe a law is unjust we can make the changes needed through elections and protest, but the law must be abided by, especially by the powerful. We must not allow our moral desire to help the needy be preyed upon by our government. If we desire our nation to be compassionate, we will have to instill this as individuals and communities into each generation. We will have to voluntarily provide our own resources instead of reaching into the pocket of a neighbor. I am not asserting that politicians should not be compassionate, but what I am asserting, is that they are not truly compassionate when they are giving away what belongs to someone else.

Note: I am not against taxation. I am just asserting that increasing taxes is not an act of compassion. TOTT