Do Republicans Hate the Poor?

Do Republicans Hate the Poor?

About 25 years ago, I learned a catchy little jingle reminding me the importance of telling the truth. Think the tune “Are You Sleeping” (Frère Jacques) while singing the following lyrics:

Revelation, Revelation 21:8, 21:8; Liars go to hell, Liars go to hell, Burn, burn, burn; Burn, burn, burn

(Ah yes, the spiritually edifying material we learn at church camp.)  I agree it’s kind of a harsh chorus, but from time to time it crosses my mind, especially when I listen to political ads rife with fabrications and misrepresentations. As of late, several have attacked my political ideology because since I tend to vote Republican, I obviously hate the poor. That aspersion irks me. I know I don’t hate those living in poverty, but does my voting record tell a different story? I decided to research the answer to the burning question, “Do Republicans hate the poor?”

Studies prove Conservatives give more generously than Liberals. In 2006, Arthur C. Brooks, a professor at Syracuse University published “Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism.” Experiencing shock at his discovery, Mr. Brooks spent countless hours poring over the research a second time to confirm his findings. The facts never lie. Conservatives are more Liberal givers.

Here are some of his data findings:

- On average, liberals earn 6% more than conservatives make. However, conservatives donate 30% more to charities than liberals.

- Conservatives donate more time and blood. In fact, According to Professor Brooks: “If liberals and moderates gave blood at the same rate as conservatives, the blood supply of the United States would jump about 45 percent.”

- In his race against John Kerry, George W. Bush won 24 of the 25 states where charitable giving was above average.

- In the states where G. W. won more than 60% of the votes, the average charitable gift was 3.5%; in the states where Bush received less than 40% of the vote, giving dropped to 1.9%

- People who reject the idea that “government has a responsibility to reduce income inequality” give an average of four times more than people who accept that proposition. (George Will, Real Clear Politics)

What Dictates a Conservative Giving More?

The single biggest determining factor in whether a person practices altruism or not is religion.  According to Brooks’ book, the number of Democrats who check the “no-religious affiliation” box has quadrupled since the 1970′s.  People actively plugged into church tend to give more out of gratitude for God’s goodness and grace in their lives, especially for the gift of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of all mankind.

Do Republicans Want to Kick Everyone Off of Welfare?

With Romney tapping Congressman Paul Ryan as Vice Presidential choice, the Liberal pundits chorused the mantra “Republicans want to throw granny off the cliff”.  Of course, this isn’t so.  Those conservatives “clinging to their religion” avow God’s Word, understanding the importance of caring for “widows and orphans” (James 1:27).

However, conservatives understand that the United States cannot support big government without driving America over the proverbial fiscal cliff.  Our three largest entitlements, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security threaten to bankrupt the Country. Crafting an enormous social safety net promises to trap generations to come beneath the crushing financial weight. So, Republicans note the need to reform, knowing the current policies are not fiscally sustainable. Instead of hand-outs, Republicans desire to offer a hand-up, equipping people to return to the work force, enabling them to provide for their own families.

One specific quote comes to mind:

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

So, what do you think, Do Republicans hate the poor?