[Moneyguy1]

Snipe....

I believe that charity should be a private matte in a perfect world, but that is as unlikely to work as it would be for each individual to provide their own security, fire protection and military.

Unfortunately, you make the same mistake that many others have made in providing labels withlut an iota of factual evidence. So you came from the hood.....Wow. And this is relevant how? You do not take advantage of what you earned by service to your country? again, Wow.

My friend, you sound like a foil for fastpat. The other end of the spectrum in some respects with the same aims. As welcome as you are to your POV, I cannot in all honesty be that callous toward those that have real need. If I am somewhat socially leaning, so be it. Then again, I am so conservative on economic matters, most of you would think me draconian. I would rather be inclined to help my fellow man than turn my back on them and let them suffer, which BTW has been an attitude that has brought down whole governments; ignoring the masses. There has to be a balance.

BTW.....The statement "socialism is evil" is an opinion, not a fact. Look up that article in Scientific American I recommended. Once again, there has to be a balance between extreme "individualism" and extreme "welfare state" thinking.

Man, it becomes more difficult to deal with extremists. Maybe I should just give in and become one myself!!