This is more democratic than 'republican' in spirit, and while Locke might support it to some degree, Meyer very likely would not and state that the property owner's will alone should prevail. It should be noted that in contrast to Danny, the other children view their mother's decision in more emotional, moral terms than Locke might, as rather than invoke the law and property rights they stress considerations such as who is neediest and who has given the most to Lillian. These concerns echo John Winthrop, who wrote about "A Model of Christian Charity." Winthrop focused on what members of the community should feel is their obligation, rather than the law. Do not take more than you need, he counsels, but do not deprive your family: "If the time and occasion be ordinary he is to give out of his abundance. Let him lay aside as God hath blessed him. If the time and occasion be extraordinary [poor], he must be ruled by them; taking this withal, that then a man cannot likely do too much, especially if he may leave himself and his family under probable means of comfortable subsistence." Winthrop would likely agree with Mike's complete proposal, to give more to Janet, because Janet is the person in greatest need. She could not help her mother as much as some of the other children, not because she was not willing, but because of her own trying circumstances. He might also point out that Edna has had her own needs taken care of, such as her housing and food, while she and her husband Bob have been living with her mother. Also, giving back to her mother while she was capable of doing so should not be seen as a way of inheriting Lillian's property, but part of her obligation as a human being with the ability to support another human being. Other children may have...
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