"That's the difference between charity and socialism. Charity is when you individually, or your church collectively, want to help somebody. Socialism is when the government says, "We decide that this particular group needs your money more than you do, and we're taking your money from you by taxation." - Mike Sharman

Legal Counsel Mike Sharman explains why the term "government shutdown" is inaccurate, as essential services like law enforcement, air traffic control, and the IRS continue operating. The temporary stoppage affects "non-essential" or discretionary functions, but the major political fight centers on massive federal spending, primarily related to health care. Sharman says the true debate is about truth when it comes to taxpayer-funded subsidies.

The Cost of "Compassion": Subsidies and Loopholes

The debate over the shutdown reveals a push by some for the reintroduction of soon-to-be expired "enhanced subsidies" under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would cost an estimated $350 billion over 10 years.

-- These subsidies would benefit families making up to four times the poverty level—about $128,600 for a family of four—for premium assistance on health care exchanges.
-- This spending, Sharman contends, functions as socialism, distorting the free market and ultimately increasing healthcare costs for everyone due to market-dumping.
-- The legislation Democrats are fighting to change also closed several loopholes that allowed illegal immigrants to receive various forms of subsidized or paid medical care, totaling over $200 billion in potential savings.

Charity vs. Socialism: The Christian Worldview

Sharman draws a sharp line between genuine Christian charity and government-mandated socialism, arguing that only one is truly compassionate.

-- Charity is an individual or church-led, voluntary act of giving out of love, allowing the giver to understand and address the specific need and pray over the situation.
-- Socialism is the government's forced compulsory taking of money through taxation, which lacks the personal, corrective, and spiritual elements of charity.
-- He notes that the government generates no money on its own; all its funds are derived from taxpayers.
-- The current system acts as a "magnet" that encourages illegal immigration, leading to humanitarian crises like human trafficking and enforced slavery.

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