Well clearly it has become an emotion driven, vote buying scheme. The problem with concepts like social justice is that it turns into social equality which degrades even further so socialism. Arguably this is the trend in modern, advanced societies and it does have its positive aspects but generates many negative ones as well.

For example: Try taking the money away.

In less there is a large public outcry because the problem has grown into an abomination there will be no change. As more of the public benefits from “hand outs” fewer of them will want to relinquish them. These programs have a life of their own and are hard to control. It should be left to private organizations with public oversight and limited assistance in the poorest regions (i.e. the West Virginia example) or during times of extreme hardship (the Great Depression). The concept of “charity at gunpoint” is one that doesn’t sit well with me.