re: #201 LGoPs

One element - crucial in my mind - that private charity adds to the equation is a sense of gratitude from the recipient. And I think along with that would come a not unhealthy motivation to do something to keep from having to ask for more help.
When the help comes from the government, the element of gratitude disappears and is replaced by a sense of entitlement which leads to more demands and a concurrent lessening of the motivation to get off the dole.

This is an interesting discussion. I will give you an answer from a professor of mine (liberal, of course … is there any other kind?) She was adamant that private charity was far less desirable than government aid. She insisted that private charity was demeaning to the person receiving it, but government assistance was empowering. I have NEVER been able to figure out how she came to that conclusion. She was far, far left, but still. It seems so illogical to me. How can sitting in a government office (think Motor Vehicle Office) be anything but demeaning?