As a Libertarian, I have often had sections of the opening chapter of "A Christmas Carol" thrown at me in regards to my opinion that charity is the responsibility of citizens, not of the government. Democrats wrongly align the attitude of small government Republicans and Libertarians with that of the pre-converted "Scrooge".

But in making such an analogy, they take the book out of context.

When visited by the men soliciting donations, Scrooge excuses himself from personal liability by pointing to the GOVERNMENT FUNDED programs in existence (orphanages, poorhouses) as being able to adequately care for the needs of the poor. When confronted with the fact that many would rather die than go there, Scrooge's glib reply is "Perhaps they should. And decrease the surplus population".

Now, pardon me for keeping score here, but Scrooge's reply, in a modern context, is indicative of the response from the American LEFT, NOT the American right.

Among the American right, we find churches, synagogues, and other organizations that help the poor effectively using money that is privately donated. Sure, some government grants are applied, but they are not largely reliant on such grants. The American left, by contrast, will refer you to the government help programs that they see as a panacaea for all domestic problems ("are there no poorhouses?"). In short, they see themselves as having done their duty for the poor by paying their taxes (Scrooge's attitude in a nutshell).

This is by no means indicative of the mindset of ALL members of either side of the political spectrum. But it is, indeed, indicative of the prevailing public mindset.

So think twice before you call me a "scrooge".