It is true that to one extent or another people on the Left, from traditional Democrats to Progressives to Social Democrats, all believe that their taxes should go for the aid and assistance of the poorest of us, the neediest and the most helpless.
However, that is not because we are bleeding hearts, simplistic or naive. It’s because what we advocate works. Because those people whom Republicans tend to ignore and often scorn are actually pretty good civic investments.
Providing health care at minimal cost or free and making sure people have access to adequate diets isn’t a waste of taxpayer money. Properly fed and healthy people cost less in the long run.
Fully funding schools is an investment in the future because educated people contribute more.
Lifting people out of poverty and assuring that proper housing is available to everyone are not acts of charity. Properly housed and financially stable people are more productive than the impoverished and homeless.
And it’s not just about the money. Of that there is plenty enough to go around. It’s not like we can’t afford these things. What we need do is tax the rich and the corporations at a fair rate, and re-structure out spending priorities.
And that’s your Left Wing for you.
The important element here is the human one, the one thing that the Republicans always seem to miss. Those of us on the Left believe it is the government’s responsibility to make sure that everyone in American has a fair shot and an even playing field, that anyone can become rich but in the world’s greatest country, no-one should be poor.
The simple promise of this country is that everyone has the opportunity to make a good life for themselves and their families. That is why people from all over the world continue to leave everything behind and risk it all including their lives to get here.
The Left does not believe it is proper to split hairs when it comes to these things. We believe that there is no such thing as more or less desirable or deserving people. There are just people.
Humanity is one.
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