How to think like a Democrat, 101: Recognize society has problems, recognize we can fix them together.

So you don't believe in personal responsibility?

Humans are social creatures.

We have a base-level responsibility toward others, and always have ever since the first tribe was ever formed.

As society increased in complexity, cities and states formed and we began to raise armies, pay taxes, write laws, and abide by them or face the consequences.

Human history is a journey toward a more perfect understanding of how to get along with each other. When we’ve failed to live up to that idea, we’ve all suffered.

Social responsibility is an element of personal responsibility. It’s why you can’t rape any woman you see, murder those you disagree with, etc. etc.

Distill those dramatic examples down into the smaller, less-consequential decisions we’re faced with in everyday life and you’ll have the beginnings of how to live ethically.

“Personal responsibility” as used by conservatives seems to be offered as a get-out-of-jail-free card to avoid thinking socially or lifting a finger to help others. I do believe in personal responsibility, but I don’t only believe in it if it’s narrowly defined that way.

"“Personal responsibility” as used by conservatives seems to be offered as a get-out-of-jail-free card to avoid thinking socially or lifting a finger to help others." That's what charity is for. We believe the government should stay out of personal issues and that the problem should be solved by the person and the community around them.

Charities are not equipped to tackle large-scale issues like economic stimulus, healthcare, climate change, fighting corruption, enforcing the law, funding the military, diplomacy, etc. On many issues there is no substitute for a competent and functioning government.

And charities are open to abuse, as Trump has reminded us in his own way.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/10/nyregion/trump-foundation-lawsuit-attorney-general.html

I believe the government should be in charge of fighting corruption, enforcing the law, funding the military, diplomacy. While climate change and healthcare should be up to the market. I was referring to trusted charities.

Or you could just volunteer at a homeless shelter.