Business Owners, Parks and Playgrounds Deserve Our Protection by Robert Socha

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17 ESV

These words are the cornerstone to faith, and everything done in public and private spheres should have its genesis here. If a man is to accomplish anything, it should be for the glory of God.

We have come to a difficult place in my fine city where people are suffering the consequence of poor choices, whether self-inflicted or forced upon them. It is causing an unjustifiable disruption to businesses and the community’s well-being. Public policy enacted by the city government should ensure public safety and reputable commerce is available to all who wish to engage therein. But, accommodations should not allow people to take advantage of public space and use lands financed through the public treasury as their refuge or shelter. It is an injustice to the taxpayer allowing such subterfuge in the public square. It is not and should not be the responsibility of cities or states to provide for the needs of any of its constituencies except the promotion of the general welfare, not its provision.

We have erroneously become accustomed to public funds distributed to “help” those in need. It is never acce                              ptable to force your neighbor to subsidize something through confiscatory taxation as a philanthropic effort. On the contrary, it is a welcome custom for any citizen engaged in civic duty or private enterprise, or both, to open their pocketbook and contribute to the assistance of those who have found themselves in dire circumstances. Still, I reiterate it should never come from the public treasury. Please take some time to read about David Crockett’s error in voting for public funds to help an esteemed war veteran’s widow. His refusal to support such an effort should be the catalyst for the currently elected to reconsider their appropriation of public funds.

In my limited time on the city council, I have already found myself to have honored and betrayed this principle. Unfortunately, it is so ingrained in our culture that we find it commonplace and not only acceptable but expected. Our civic institutions must perform great austerity to release us from such grievous errors in public policy. Unfortunately, austerity is painful and we are so accustomed to our luxurious lifestyles we do not want to enter therein.

I am a staunch advocate for private enterprise to accommodate the needs of those who find themselves desperate. However, it is incumbent upon benevolent men to provide a way of provision for civic philanthropy. As a man’s conscience dictates, he should remember the poor and open his heart and pocketbook for their relief. But no one should ever be forced or coerced to do so.

Whatever philanthropy occurs for the betterment of a man’s station in this life, if its commencement is outside of the foundation of faith that begins in Genesis 1:1, culminating in John 3:16 and ultimately, the Return of the King, they are already damned. Their only respite is to look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith.