Great succinct summary of the differences between the two main political worldviews (by Michelle Martin)

The history of social welfare policy in the United States has consisted of two distinct ideologies:

1) "Conservative/Libertarian" - People are generally lazy and they will only get lazier with help. Providing social welfare benefits during tough times, even to orphans and widows will create dependent victims who feel entitled to a "handout." This philosophy is based on a very dark and negative view of humanity, one highly influenced by social Darwinism and Calvinists' view that at their heart, people are inherently bad. "Compassion" is laced with condemnation and "tough love." People who hold this view generally believe that competition weeds out the weaker members of society (social Darwinism), and that those who struggle, including communities of color, do so not because of social inequities, but because of personal moral failing (women are promiscuous and men are lazy and/or violent). In response to claims of social injustice (racism, patriarchy, etc.), this group will often fire back accusations that people should not being victims and instead "pick themselves up by the bootstraps" and muscle through, and then they'll hold up the one in 10,000 example, rather than national trends, and rely on that one as "proof." The focus is almost exclusively on the individual, not society, and is based on a scarcity mentality - there will never be enough resources for everyone, so we must compete for resources and if people cannot compete, then they must be weeded out because they are inherently defective. The fundamentalist Protestant Church has been highly influenced by this philosophy.

2) "Democratic/Progressive" - People are generally good and want to work. When they don't, it's often due to despair and structural barriers, not laziness. Providing social welfare benefits during tough times, while at the same time working to remove structural barriers and injustices, will create opportunities that the majority of people will take advantage of when able to do so. Those who do not often have personal barriers they're facing, such as mental illness (including addictions), physical illness, disabilities, family challenges (child care), etc. This philosophy recognizes personal challenges, but also recognizes that many such challenges are rooted in social ills, such as poverty, domestic violence, overt and covert disenfranchisement (racism, gender bias, ageism, etc.), and structural inequities in our educational, criminal justice, financial systems. The goal of social welfare policy from this perspective is to remove social barriers while lifting people out of poverty, so they can better navigate their personal challenges, with the ultimate goal of increased self-sufficiency and a more compassionate and equitable society. The focus is more on social injustice, but so that people can work their way out of poverty (and other social problems) without facing so many social/structural barriers. This approach to social welfare policy is based on an abundance mentality - there are enough resources for everyone and we can work together to make sure we all succeed.

Start listening to the political rhetoric and messages from each party and see if you recognize these deeply rooted narratives and approaches.

(source:  https://www.facebook.com/100001552240055/posts/3289312167797159/)