The Average American is Generous

[bunnys]

The video will not play for me, for some reason. So I don't know if it showed what she bought, but I do wonder about comparison. You certainly can't control all the variables (the past experiences of those filmed that influence them), but I would like to see this with both someone with, and without kids, as well as having alcohol and cigarettes both in and not, in their purchases. I would think you would see that people are willing to more help those who help themselves, then those still doing self destruction behaviors.

This is why I am of the camp that believes that public assistance should be distributed to the needy by the government, rather than individuals/private organizations. The process of asking for help is made undignified by having to prove to the giver that one is worthy of help. Just the fact that the person is human and suffering and needy meets the worthiness test as far as I'm concerned. The receiver is made undignified and the giver becomes a judge, compromising (and frequently negating) the act of altruism on behalf of the giver.

[Tussiemussies]

Great point bunnys...

[JaneV2.0]

This is why I am of the camp that believes that public assistance should be distributed to the needy by the government, rather than individuals/private organizations. The process of asking for help is made undignified by having to prove to the giver that one is worthy of help. Just the fact that the person is human and suffering and needy meets the worthiness test as far as I'm concerned. The receiver is made undignified and the giver becomes a judge, compromising (and frequently negating) the act of altruism on behalf of the giver.

But even governmental agencies are guilty of this. I recently read two memoirs by writers in wheelchairs: John Callahan and Nancy Mairs, both of whom recounted problems getting and keeping benefits. Callahan was particularly frustrated by a refusal of (state?) agencies in Oregon to replace his defunct chair. They preferred to "repair" it multiple times at a far higher cost than buying a new one. He also describes social workers basically tossing his small apartment in search of proof that he was hiding assets.

[bunnys]

I know, Jane. Government is not perfect.

[SteveinMN]

Callahan was particularly frustrated by a refusal of (state?) agencies in Oregon to replace his defunct chair. They preferred to "repair" it multiple times at a far higher cost than buying a new one. He also describes social workers basically tossing his small apartment in search of proof that he was hiding assets.

The wheelchair-bound member of my family went through the same thing -- repeated fixes for what obviously was a lemon design to start with. It was frustrating to endure so many attempts. But good wheelchairs cost thousands of dollars and there is no policy for how much is spent before the wheelchair is "totaled". And you know there's some self-appointed watchdog who would report the provider handling the situation differently as "Your state is wasting your tax dollars replacing expensive wheelchairs."