Even brazen hypocrites can make sense

Fresh off being called a faggot by the likes of Ann Coulter, John Edwards is telling us how Jesus would feel about our actions.

“I think that Jesus would be disappointed in our ignoring the plight of those around us who are suffering and our focus on our own selfish short-term needs,” Edwards told [Beliefnet.com]. “I think he would be appalled, actually.”

I think there is a lot of truth to Edwards’ statement.  I personally think that what has become modern Christianity bears little resemblance to the teachings of Jesus.  Many self professed Christians solemnly shake their heads at the plight of the poor on Sundays or at conveniently scheduled charity events and then they slip back to their gated communities or engage in some conspicuous consumption at the local mall.  Oh, but they do hate gay people!

Edwards and I would disagree about how to help the poor.  He tends to think that the government should confiscate more from the haves and transfer that wealth to the have nots.  I disagree.  For starters the government is grossly inefficient compared to private charities.  Government handouts breed dependency, which doesn’t help anyone in the long run, whereas charitable giving fosters gratitude.  From an economic point of view increased taxation depresses the desire to work hard and innovate because the potential financial rewards are no longer greater than the risks involved.

I think that the best way to help the poor is through opportunity and community.  Minimal taxation and regulation allows people of modest means to engage in entrepreneurial ventures.  When people have more money in their pockets they both spend and give more.  Increased spending drives increased employment to meet the demand and increased giving helps those who need assistance.

Now that I’ve got that out of the way, I take umbrage with Edwards piously making such statements.  He is illustrative of the people he is referring to.  Apparently he doesn’t see the problem with merely talking about poverty while he enjoys the comforts of one of the gaudiest mansions you’ll ever see.  If he practiced what he preached and made a visible effort to actually help out those he claims to help I might respect him.

I should say that I don’t begrudge anyone who earns a tidy sum of money – even if they do so by facilitating jackpot justice – and spending that money on themselves.  Your money, your choice.  Just don’t flap your gums about being a friend of the poor while you do so.