![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.idahostatesman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Greg+Collett.jpg\" "\\"Greg")
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Gregg Collett is the father of 10 children and a Libertarian candidate for District 11, Position A of the Idaho House of Representatives. \u00a0He relies upon Medicaid to pay for his children\u2019s medical expenses. \u00a0He is also a Mormon.<\/p>\n
\u00a0So does that make him a hypocrite? Here is how he answered the question.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cAm I a hypocrite for participating in programs that I oppose? If it was that simple, and if participation demonstrated support, then of course. But, my reason for participation in government programs often is not directly related to that issue in and of itself, and it certainly does not demonstrate support.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0Mr. Collett seems to be saying that his reasons for enrolling his children in Medicaid has nothing to do with his political beliefs. \u00a0He is absolutely right. Libertarianism at its core is a political philosophy. \u00a0It seeks to address the problems created from too much government interference in a person\u2019s personal decisions. Libertarianism will never tell a person how to spend their money or raise their children. \u00a0So why is it proper to judge a person\u2019s actions against their political beliefs?<\/p>\n
The other interesting piece of this story is Mr. Collett\u2019s faith. \u00a0He is a Mormon. \u00a0His faith teaches the importance of being self-reliant and financially independent. All members are encouraged to find meaningful employment, create a budget, and live within their means. \u00a0But what should a Latter-day Saint do if he works and lives within his means, but is still unable to provide for his family? Should he refuse to receive any government assistance? Do we think it is proper to judge a person\u2019s actions based on their political beliefs?<\/p>\n
To me there is no hypocrisy in being Mormon, needing help and admitting that you need help. \u00a0If a person is unable to provide financially for his family, then he should seek help from others. \u00a0Pride or fear of what others may think often can be a deterrent to seeking help. It shouldn\u2019t be. \u00a0It also shouldn\u2019t matter where this help comes from.<\/p>\n
Jesus Christ taught that we are all beggars. \u00a0We depend upon Him for our substance and our riches. \u00a0As a Latter-day Saint, if we seek to emulate Christ, why should we care who is asking for help and why they are asking for it? \u00a0All that matters is that help is given. \u00a0The true hypocrisy lies in those who espouse to believe in a compassionate and loving God, yet are quick to judge those who seek His compassion and love.<\/p>\n
\u201cJudge not, that you be not judged. \u00a0For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.\u201d- Matthew 7:1-2<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Gregg Collett is the father of 10 children and a Libertarian candidate for District 11, Position A of the Idaho House of Representatives. \u00a0He relies upon Medicaid to pay for his children\u2019s medical expenses. \u00a0He is also a Mormon. \u00a0So does that make him a hypocrite? Here is how he answered the question. \u00a0\u201cAm I […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1672,"featured_media":2635,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,14,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-politics","category-current-events","category-mormonism"],"yoast_head":"\n