Times haven't changed much

‘I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I travelled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer.’

Quote by Benjamin Franklin from – ‘On the Price of Corn and Management of the Poor[5] (29 November 1766)’

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In the Western Countries I think many of the poor can be led out of poverty. It will take perseverance and understanding but most of all it will take determination. Proper training and education will be required as well as encouragement. There are multiple generations of families currently on welfare.

Governments and politicians use the poor to justify policies, beuracracies and unions as well as to get re-elected. Ultimately the poor are pawns. I don't believe these groups want the poor to get out of poverty.

God calls us to love others. Are we truly loving people on welfare by forcing them to become more dependent on government by ever expanding welfare and unemployment programs? Or do we show that we love them by doing all we can to help them stand on their own and support themselves. This is how we show people we respect them, by believing in them and encouraging them.

The Bible tells us the poor will always be with us so we know there are some people who for various reasons (physical or mental) will not be able to provide for themselves. We have to make sure these people are taken care of.

It will take courage and commitment to do something like this.