As I listen to statements, discussions and debates regarding health care reform, medicare reform, raising the debt ceiling, etc., I am reminded of how lazy and selfish a considerable number of Americans are. Those of the liberal philosophy are more likely to be takers. They believe that those of means owe them something (especially those who have worked hard, saved, sacrificed, and invested wisely). The liberals in our state Legislatures, in Congress and even President Obama are working overtime redistributing the wealth. This is called social engineering. This socialist philosophy is bordering heavily on communism and is fast destroying our economy. The American people are losing the incentive to be achievers and to be financially successful. The attitude is the government will take care of me. I had a client who when talking about their welfare check called it her pay check.

More and more people are saying that Jesus was a liberal and a socialist. Recently in a letter to the editor Tom Hearn referenced the fact that the Bible says we are to take care of the poor. I think that any caring, responsible person would not disagree with this Biblical principle. However, there is a big difference between the truly needy due to misfortune and those who are lazy, selfish, and irresponsible.

Jesus sent His disciples out into the world to share the Gospel (Good News) and to make disciples (disciple meaning a disciplined one). The words disciple and discipline come from the same root word. Those who receive the Good News of Salvation were taught the values of self-discipline. Where it says "make disciples" the word make means to insist on. The role of the disciple was not only to teach values and principles but to insist that the followers of Jesus would practice self-discipline morally, socially, physically, and financially. God said, and experience has proven, that if we live according to His principles we will be the beneficiaries.

Finally, there is another Biblical principle that the liberal socialist conveniently ignores. It is the parable of the man who gave talents to his servants based on his perceived ability to handle money responsibly. Two of the servants invested their talents wisely. One servant dug a hole and buried his talent. When the boss returned and asked what the servants had done with his money he said to the two responsible servants who has invested the money wisely "Well Done." He then took the talent from the servant who buried it and gave it to his most responsible servant. Socialists would do the opposite. They would take the money from the responsible servant and give it to the lazy, irresponsible servant. The Bible also says "if anyone would not work, neither should he eat."

It sounds to me that there is a clear distinction between Socialism and Capitalism.

RON VIESELMEYER

Coeur d'Alene