Help

The concept of what constitutes helping has been studied quite a bit recently and we've learned some interesting things.  Most of what has been learned can be summed up pretty succinctly.

Don't do things for others that they are able to do for themselves.

Seems pretty simple.   It really shouldn't be that surprising that people value things more when they work for them, and value them less when they are free.   I think most of us try to teach this to our children as they grow up.   We tell them to do extra chores and save their money when they're young, and to get a part time or summer job when they get older if they want certain things.   We want our kids to be independent, not dependent.  

We see this in organizations like Opportunity International, Habitat for Humanity and others.  The group I go to Haiti with is providing medical care that is virtually unobtainable in the NW zone and has a tangible, positive impact on the ability of people to earn a living.

So, how does this apply to the 2020 presidential race?

Free college!
Free Abortion!
Free Health Care!
Free Student Loan Elimination!
Free "basic income"!

Just for starters.

How about immigration?

What value do people put on citizenship, if they get it by bypassing the proper process?
Why are people going to respect our laws when we have cities and counties essentially passing out "Get out of jail free" cards? 

How highly will people value their vote, if voting is opened to non citizens?


If the best option is "Don't do for others, what they can do for themselves.", what does that look like translated into policy on a national scale?