I like your attitude, I think we share interests, but I disagree about the function of government, at least as you defined it and as it relates to these current times.

I've read publications of early American leaders, and my impression was that the federal government was never intended as a welfare provider. Their mission was to organize the defense of the lands, provide a unified voice for our nation, and ensure fair commerce between the states. There was no intention of taxing the incomes of the citizenry, or of providing a retirement or subsistence program for the elderly and the poor. In fact, the attitude of the people at that time found the notion of government welfare repugnant. All of this tax and spend mentality came much, much later. It has been my experience that those in the government are the least qualified at helping people. I have huge problems with government welfare; for the most part it has never worked in this country. There are shining examples, such as yourself, who managed to make it out of the system and discovered the true value of human life. I, too, started with nothing, and have worked hard to attain an independent life.

I think most people who are at our level in life do want to share with those less fortunate. My greatest asset will probably always be what I can do, not what I own. My attitude towards giving is, I believe, quite charitable. When I am compelled to relinquish 1/3 to 1/2 of what I have for a cause I have no say in, that diminishes my charity, and foils my intent. I, too, don't give for the thanks and praise I will receive, but for the satisfaction of helping. But my generousity evaporates when what I have to give is taken from me and squandered. My charity is taken from me at the same time that my assets are.

Let me express it another way: You cannot be charitable with that which you do not control. The money taken from my pay can never be considered charity; even the IRS agrees on that. The possessions confiscated by the government to be redistributed are not charity, they are spoils. No one has the right to claim these items are given in the spirit of charity. This is exactly what the early Americans were afraid of. The government does not have that right, only the might, to force me to give up what is mine.

I have given a lot of what I am able to retain after the government takes their cut. This is no boast, it is simply a fact of my conviction in life. I will give as long as I have the means. This in no way should be associated with the extortion the government is forcing upon me. Let me make this perfectly clear, that which requires my decision is charity, that for which I have no say on is theft.