[natedogg]

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It must even be considered whether one should support legislation that would help alleviate poverty, even though it would cause greater discomfort to that invdividual.

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Remember that even if legislation is intended to alleviate povery, that doesn't mean that it will. Just because a politician stands up and calls it the "Clean Air Act" or the "No Child Left Behind" act doesn't mean these things will achieve the goals they claim it will.

I just want to point this out because the whole thread is begging the question that policies which are purported to benefit the poor would be supported by those who want to help the poor. But that's just not the case.

And some of the policies that are the best for the poor are roundly criticized and opposed by those who think they are helping. Low capital gains tax is one of the best things you can do for the poor but it doesn't sounds as compassionate to say "Jesus supports a low capital gains tax rate" does it?

natedogg