There are a lot of good causes out there, but they can't possibly all be served by government. The Constitution guarantees us our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That's all. It doesn't guarantee our rights to charity. The government is not a parent. We can't expect the government to always be there, ready to bail us out. When we make decisions in life, we have to be willing to live with the consequences. We can't expect the government to help us get back on our feet every time we make a bad decision.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ventura argues the Constitution guarantees basic rights not charity. He asserts individuals must live with consequences.
- In plain terms
- Government secures rights not safety nets. People must face the results of choices.
- What can you take from it?
- Citizens must accept the consequences of choices.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is government a parent or a protector?
- How much freedom requires total responsibility?
Another view
This ignores how safety nets enable risk taking.
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