The title of this blog is a statement that has oft been echoed by liberals whenever conservatives attempt to write morals based legislation.

And you know what, they're right? One's morals are shaped by a number of factors, and no matter how well intentioned the law, those who don't respect the moral standards upon which a law is based will be inclined to disobey it. This is why, despite massive infusions of cash into the "war on drugs", the drug industry's annual cash flow rivals that of Microsoft.

So why is it the liberals often ignore this mantra as applies to social programs? The role of a government is to protect the borders and the rights of individuals within its borders. The government's role isn't to play babysitter or moral arbiter. Social programs are well intentioned, and borne of the BEST motives; I find myself hard pressed to disagree with even the most leftist individual as to our MORAL obligation to the poor and needy, both within this country and in the world community.

Where I disagree is as to our LEGAL obligation, and our POLITICAL obligation. Certainly the latter could be a factor as far as assisting with basic needs within other governments are concerned. But only (repeat, ONLY) as a temporary measure; a government that is unable to govern their nation independently should either yield sovereignty to a nation who can or elect/appoint (depending on their government system) individuals who can and will.

We have no legal obligations to these governments, except in fulfillment of treaties already signed. While we do have a moral obligation, it seems to me a president could go further by using his platform as a bully pulpit to encourage others to PRIVATELY fund charities and organizations that can assist these individuals in obtaining the resources that they should have in our industrialized world. But to ask the government to pony up for every pet cause of every nation and every politician has only put us further in the hole, and accrued a debt that will fall on future generations.

So when I write about privately funded measures, don't confuse my opposition to PUBLIC funding to in any way diminish the moral responsibility we all have in creating a better world with more hope and more opportunity. But as someone who has seen the abuses of giving government authority in these areas firsthand, I remain convinced that we need to remove such programs from the domain of the government.