I think often the problem with social help from government is the way that it isn't voluntary and, as you said, those who come to expect and rely on it, ultimately giving up doing anything to help themselves. The concept is noble enough in itself, but in the long term it can leave people not wanting to help voluntarily. We had a situation in Australia a few years back where there was a natural disaster affecting people on the east coast. People and businesses rallied to help giving and collecting donations and offering assistance where they could. Then the government stepped in with a forced extra tax to help and everyone stopped donating with many complaining what was the point if it was being taken by force anyway.
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The fact is that this happens, even though one might think otherwise and believe that governments are there to look after their citizens; they still try to dip their hands in and take a little for themselves.
A few years ago in Chile, a mother travelled many miles for her son, seeking financial help as his illness was rare and expensive. She managed to get many people to donate and reached her target, but the government tried to make her pay tax, wanting to take a hefty slice of that aid. However, people here were outraged and protested, leading to the tax being revoked.
But as you say, people get used to aid; they stop trying to fend for themselves whilst the rest complain, as it is their own efforts that end up benefiting those who don’t want to do anything.
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