Refocus Christmas mission

Lately, I've read several letters condemning the "un-Christian" actions of the Bush Administration for supposedly cutting aid to every impoverished person and cause under the sun. First, claiming Bush is kicking children and the poor to the curb ignores the 36% increase in domestic spending since he took office including the largest increases in education and health services since the Johnson Administration. Second, to label Bush "un-Christian" for not spending even more, you must be ignorant of Christ's teachings.

Christ taught that individuals, not governments, must love and care for one another. What heavenly rewards can you expect for the taxes taken from you and redistributed? Besides, government welfare programs are extremely ineffective. A better choice would be to donate your money to a charity of your choice. Rather than lobbying the government to take my money and spend it on your pet project, demand lower taxes so you can donate directly. Apparently in your quest to throw stones at Bush, you missed the commandment "Thou shall not steal."

[Letter to the Editor - Detroit Free Press. Submitted 11/29/2005]