Well, no.
One of the "things I do" is orphaned and/or injured animal rescue. I have done it since I was a pre-teen. It pays nothing, and in fact, sometimes costs considerably more (in food, medicine, supplies, and occasionally vet bills) than I can afford. And those who find the animals that need to be rescued almost never think of helping defray the expense*- and I don't ask because I'd rather they not hesitate to call me for help when it's needed. I'll find a way, somehow.
Because it matters to me, I do it anyway.
In fact, I just took on a new rescue Monday.
How it is possible that I do this without being coerced, or without seeking "government" subsidies? I thought this was supposed to mean these necessary functions would go neglected. I truly believe people are better than that. Sure, as long as someone is willing to use theft and coercion to make something happen, there will be those doing it who otherwise wouldn't. What good is that for anyone?
I'd rather see people filling a need because they want to, than because they see it as a way to get (stolen) money or (illegitimate) power. But if they can get rich doing what they love, without theft or fraud (redundant, I know), and even if it affords them a certain amount of power, as long as it isn't based upon aggression or threats, then they can still fill a place in the world that I will not complain about. I might even envy them a little on weak days.
I take pleasure knowing that art, charity, creativity, and all the other small good stuff will still be a part of the world even when there is no gun in the room forcing anyone to pursue it. Don't you?
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*It has happened exactly twice in all the years.
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And please don't forget.
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I'm sure you're breaking some "law" in doing so.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Yes, I am sure I am breaking several. Nothing new there. LOL
ReplyDeleteIt never ceases to amaze me how the person calling for govt to "do something" will justify it by saying that if govt doesn't pay for it by force, it won't get paid for. Just as you say, Ken.
ReplyDeleteBut by THEIR VERY ACT of making this demand, they are DEMONSTRATING that the public demand exists that would fund such a program without any need for coercion in the first place.
In a supposed republic, it requires an overwhelming majority to support something before it can be made a govt program. Yet by demonstrating that overwhelming support, those who want it are demonstrating that no such govt program is needed.
Just saying the same thing twice, because the people who don't already understand it won't get it if it's only said once.
Yeah, you gotta hammer away at it because they probably won't get it even after a few reminders unless they are inclined to understand such things anyway.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very noble endeavor on your part. Do you seek out people to adopt these animals after they're healed or do the people already know about you before adopting them?
ReplyDeleteIf it's a wild animal, I teach them how to make it in the wild and eventually release them. With domestic animals I usually find a home, but sometimes I end up being the permanent home.
ReplyDelete(I say I "release" the wild orphans, but a more accurate description would be that eventually they just stop coming back to me. A couple have taken a year or so to finally do that.)
ReplyDelete