Want versus Need

I want to help those who need help.

I don't need to help those who want help.

It should be my choice!

Datadiver08

A Parable

It's been a long time since my last post. Too long. I hope someone is still out there. I think a parable is a very clear way to make ideas understood. Don't get me wrong, I am not putting myself in competition with the master of parables, but perhaps it will help me be clear. The parable of two concepts Once there were 6 men without shoes. Their path through the stony field was difficult and painful. Passing through the area were two groups of 3 men each from different cities. These two groups saw these 6 men and within their separate groups they said to themselves, we must help these shoeless men. These two groups were prepared for a long journey and were prepared with spare shoes lest they bruise their feet on the rocky ground. The first group, which was from Obnphr, said; we are prepared and they are not. Since we have and they do not, let us take this opportunity to make them our followers. Yes, said the remainder of the group from Obnphr, but once we give them shoes, what control will we have over their path. The self appointed leader said; we do not know the reason why they have no shoes. No matter said another of the group; it is our chance to make them our followers. Their solution was to give each man one show. With only one shoe each the shoeless men had to hop in the path blazed by the Obnphr group. The 6 shoeless men dutifully followed the Obnphr group and soon became dependent on them. The second group, which was from Rlgbsh said, how did these men become shoeless? They are 6 men and we have on shoes for 3, what shall we do. The group met and decided that they should talk to the 6 men and find out what brought them into this situation. The discussions were long and hard and not all 6 shoeless men were honest. They found that 3 of the men, through no fault of their own, were without a means of providing for their families. The other 3 men had abandoned their families and set out on the path to avoid being a productive member of society. This group decided to give the 3 men who wanted to provide for their families the shoes so they could traverse the rocky ground. These 3 men made their own way among the rocks. The other 3 men bruised their feet and fell to the creatures of the path. The moral. Do the hard work of dividing those who need help from those who only want help. Helping all 6 equally would only mean no one would me helped enough to make their own path through life. A social safety net is for those who fall, not those who jump.

.

.

Datadiver08 December 20, 2009