Protecting all our rights

Barb Kromphardt wrote an interesting article using FDR as reference. She was making a case for adding an economic bill of rights in addition to our original “Bill or Rights,” that enumerate and guarantee our personal freedoms. It’s altruistic and understandingly popular with many people that we should be entitled to a laundry list of economic rights, and the government should provide for them. I’ve met Barb. I like and respect her. She’s a good journalist. That being said, I would, respectfully, like to give a rebuttal.

⇒ See Barb Kromphardt's commentary

Barb says, "It’s not a zero sum game, folks. Someone doesn’t have to lose in order for someone else to win.” But, this is a self-defeating argument. For all practical purposes, to take care of every person’s economic rights, you would have to have what our president likes to call “a redistribution of wealth.” Some give, while others receive. Some lose, some win. “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” That’s a quote from Karl Marx.  Yes, you’re correct. It’s the same thing in different words.

I’m one of those people when Barb says, “these economic rights are controversial to many people.” Yes, I can’t find them in the Declaration of Independence nor the Constitution. Now let me be quick to say, does this mean we Americans shouldn’t have compassion? I surely hope not. Should government mandate the who, what, when, where and how of our compassion? I surely hope not. I think, Barb, you’re a person who trusts government. Obviously, you have lots of company. I’m one of many who don’t trust government, especially now. I prefer to trust the altruism of local people. May I give an example?

Let’s consider the health care issue. I quote Bureau County Health & Wellness Clinic, “We provide free health care and medications to the uninsured and underserved. Our patients are your friends, relatives and neighbors. Sometimes they just can’t afford health insurance; their employer doesn’t offer it, or they have a chronic condition which makes their insurance unaffordable. We rely on volunteers: Doctors, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, lawyers and office personnel. BCJW Clinic is financially supported through volunteers, grants and generous donations from many individuals, churches and organizations. Please join us in celebrating our fifth year ... as we thank you for making it possible.”