Libertarians - rant

[Smilo]

Why is it that people who vote Libertarian are the ones that have their hands out and shout me, me, me the most.

Two cases - one "retired" person (she is in her 40s) has moved in to our semi-rural area where the association plows the roads. (We have many republicans and libertarians living here and while the association has tried to increase dues to be able to buy newer equipment/more operators and they keep getting voted down.)

So this Libertarian starts spouting off about the lack of plowing all the while stating that she is proud to be a Libertarian and will not give any extra to help out, how the government is terrible and we should all be responsible for ourselves - of course, with the exception of when she needs something. Grrrr.

The second case is where a man and wife - always saying how hard up they are (he is retired and on a good pension), she works part time. He is on the government call out list when there is an emergency - he has been in New Jersey since just after Sandy struck. As you can imagine he is paid well for his work. Again these two are taking from the government hand over fist and yet decrying the help being given to those that are desperate - let alone just needy.


I don't understand this. Help me out here folks - why is it that these bastards are take, take, take and yet would refuse the skin off a rice pudding if it would stop a person from being a little better off?

Sorry I just need to rant - because I can't understand why "responsibility" should not include caring for others, especially those who have less.

[Tobin S.]

1. They are just terribly selfish.

That's what's at the bottom of it.

When you have to look after yourself with very little or no help, it is in your best interests to be selfish to a certain degree. I don't think selfishness is necessarily bad until you start dicking over other people to get what you want. So if you manage to find yourself well off at some point in your life, it's good to give back. People like you described have no intention of giving anything back no matter their circumstances.

[Smilo]

5. I know what you mean,

but I disagree regarding being selfish. You can still protect what little you have, but you can also have a different mindset towards other people - even if it is holding the door open for another person. These people would push you out of the way and barge right on through.

I grew up quite poor and my mom and dad never turned anyone away - sure the meals were lacking but we always made room for others. I guess their values rubbed on to me and I am very glad they did

[Shade7M]

2. A couple of things you can be sure of...

One: Those who claim to hate government spending so much will always have a three-word qualifier in the parentheses of any anti-spending statement. (for other people)

Two: Those who claim the rightness and goodness of maintaining the savage socio-economic jungle have at least some layer of protection from it.

[Tobin S.]

3. Welcome to DU

[Smilo]

4. Welcome and you are

so right.

There's nothing I can do or say, but sometimes they make my blood boil.