I believe that the proper amount of government should only ensure that the personal liberties of the individual are not infringed upon.

I find it unsettling that many people think that government is the only one who can help people in a rough time. This is not true at all, their are many charities that are far more efficient than government bodies. And for those who think that I am not compassionate or "selfish", I contribute money to charities of my choice. Statics have shown that conservatives contribute on average 30% more that liberals. I fully understand that people hit hard time, because I have gone through my hard times and needed help. I did not turn to the government, but rather looked to family and friends.

The problem that I see with government filling this role is that people become dependent on the government and many will abuse the system. Is it fair for people to sit at home living off of government handouts while being fully capable of providing for themselves? The answer that I come to is no, it is not fair. I work very hard and money that I am compensated should be mine, because I have earned it.

Max, I disagree with a couple of thing that you have stated. I do not believe mob-rule is absolute freedom. If the mob decides to infringe upon an individual freedom, them who is to stop them? I also do not believe that a libertarian society would have people starving in the streets. Their would be more incentive for people to be self sufficient and charities would still exist because people would still hold compassion.

Another point that I would like to make is a government who provides basic necessities can also take them away.

Again, I invite all who wish to further debate to join me at http://www.voicingopinions.com/forum

Socialism
1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

Republic is a latin word, Res Publica literally means public issue, and the public issue is referring to the law. So a Republic is the rule of law.

I have many other points to make, but this is not the proper place. I invite any who wish to discuss politics to join me at http://www.voicingopinions.com/forum/ .

I know what socialism means and I don't like it! Our founding fathers designed our government to be a republic. Do you know what that means? It means the rule of law. Government is inherently evil, if not now, it will be. Government must be limited and kept within boundaries, or else the liberties of the people will be infringed upon. The problem that this country has is that our laws are not being enforced. What ever the government does, it should ask if the Constitution allows this. I don't want a nanny state, I can take care of myself just fine. But, it looks like I will also be taking care of the lazy and undeserving.

Peter Schiff is one of our most brilliant and honest economists.

Oh no! I'm infected with atheism and all along I thought it was a choice.

HAHAHAHA! Holes in the ozone, don't make me laugh. Ooops...too late.
The hole in the ozone has always existed. Ozone is depleted by the sun's rays and when the north or south pole is exposed to constant sun light, a hole is formed.