The Daily Groove Inspired some thinking in me today....

http://www.dailygroove.net/healthy-selfishness

Many of my friends in the AP world and the gentle parenting world believe strongly that it is important to teach children to share through example.  We are kind to them, and although it may come a little slower, they eventually reflect kindness in their own lives. We believe that coersion, force and punishment will only lead to resentment and no development of a true sense of the joy of community and human interaction.  Many people in other schools of thought believe children can only learn to share if they are not allowed not to.  They believe that children who are narcissistic (as the ALL pretty much are) must be trained out of their innate selfishness by clear direction from adults.

Now I know this is way out there, no matter which side of the fence you are standing on, but maybe our government needs to unschool our country.  Right now sharing is forced, sharing is required. You have no choice but to pay your taxes and accept whatever method the government sees fit to distribute those funds.  You are not involved in your charity, your children are not involved in your charity.  Your children will grow up in a world, not of love, but of coerced giving, and it is growing.

I know people who might think I am coming from a selfish perspective.  I know many people believe that about most conservatives ( in this context, this word simply means people who believe in small government).  Funny thing is, some of the most conservative people I know are the most giving.  Ironic.  Some of the liberals ( in this case meaning people who believe the government needs to "do something" about it) are actually the people who simply want the government to take care of everyone else and leave them out of it,  at least in the direct way).

Now, to be fair, I believe both of these groups of people are in good heart, really.  The liberal, like my  husband, are sometimes afraid they can not meet the need, so they don't even try.  They are sometimes, again, like my husband, afraid to interact with people in need because they have heard so many stories of people getting hurt in the process. ( I.e. that tire changer on the side of the road is actually an ax murder and it's a trap).  I understand.  I just don't want to live in a world driven by fear.

 I see it in my community.  No one forces anyone to bring food to a new momma and baby.  No one forces anyone to donate time and money to help another momma in a bad spot.  They just do it.  No one is afraid their gift will be insufficient, or that the receiver will stab them in the back.  They just give.  They are beautiful people and it is a beautiful concept.  I love so many of the people I know.

Don't vote for another government program, carry your butt out the front door and extend your hand to your elderly neighbor, a new or soon to be momma, a child in need of clothes or food.  Pass out your money.  Pass out your labor.  Pass out your love.  Show our children that communities are formed through cooperation, not force.