True, Dave. Too true. On the up side, for many of us having less stuff (and especially less cheap imported stuff produced on the backs of people who are for all practical purposes, enslaved) would be a big improvement.
Qaz, the whole system needs overhauled from top to bottom. One good thing might be to offer classes in self-reliance (such as my friend provides) with the caveat that you need to attend, say, four out of five, to receive your food/lodging/fuel/etc. vouchers. The knowledge imparted by these classes has helped many people (many of whom I have met) escape poverty. Of these, many have themselves become mentors to others seeking to escape. How do they get people to attend? First, students often bring family and friends. Second, fuel vouchers, food bags, diapers, etc. You have to be there if you want to receive the relief supplies. At first people come just to get the relief, and for other reasons such as X dollars worth of school clothing for their children if they graduate the six-week once-a-week program. Later though, many continue because they see their lives improving.
This sort of thing would COST more in the short run than just sending a check, but there would, for many, be a light at the end of the tunnel. Transportation when needed and childcare are provided. Dinner is served by various volunteer organizations. This is a very beneficial program which also respects the humanity of those it serves. Such programs could be provided through faith-based communities, many of whom would be able to provide volunteer mentors and even teachers. Or they could be provided by secular organizations, so long as they are not political and meet appropriate standards–providing the knowledge the clients need and treating them with respect.
Just one idea. I’m not a policy “wonk,” and others will doubtless have ideas far superior to mine. Nevertheless, this nation has the talent to come up with programs that will WORK, rather than simply perpetuating the dependence, hopelessness and continued poverty of those we wish to help.
As to your question concerning the boundaries of the government, in looking at the Scriptures, there are several things I see. The law(government) and the church are both institutions of God, but they seem to be declared as separate from each other. For example, in the Old Testament they had the kings(law) and the Levites(priests), as well as Moses(law) and Aaron(prophet/priest). In the New Testament, Jesus says that He did not come to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them, distinguishing one from the other. I suppose the duties of the law may become quite complicated due to the fact that societies change and more and more people become involved with each other. However, the duties of the church clearly involve taking care of an individual’s personal needs. One of the major problems I see in our government today is a merging of the church and state, causing tension, discontent and hatred towards one another. I don’t see more social programs as the answer. Proverbs 1:13-15 says this: We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse. My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path.
If so, can we implement her ideas, into this political discussion here 
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