Beggars can’t be choosers. That is how I was taught as a child, and subscribe fully to that paradigm. If you are receiving charity, of any kind, be thankful for that and don’t complain. It’s obvious to me that many were never taught that. And charity isn’t always something you ask for, charity is often extended to you, that’s why it is called charity. Charity involves the giving of something voluntarily to another or a group of others. In my view that applies even when that charity is “legislated” charity.

If you are willing to accept charity, you must also accept that you are dependent upon that charity. Humility and respect are the only acceptable responses to that. Same reason we were taught to say please and thank you. It’s really not that hard to understand. It’s a real shame, a disappointment in fact, when we have to enact legislation to prevent the abuse of charity. I’m thinking about those on SNAP now complaining they can’t buy soda pop and potato chips! It isn’t that others don’t want you to enjoy those products, it is about being responsible. You can’t on one hand appeal for charity, basic needs, and then waste that charity on non-essential items. A life saver is a device to keep you alive, it isn’t a luxury cruise ship!

I keep hearing about getting this or that for free. Nothing is free! Someone has to pay for whatever service or product is being provided. I keep hearing about entitlements. Yes, you are entitled to certain things after you qualified for those entitlements. In short, you have to earn an entitlement. Benefits may be earned or extended as a charitable gesture. As a charitable gesture, benefits may also be withheld! You remain entitled to the things you earned, unless of course you violate some terms or conditions that remove that entitlement. Like you are entitled to free, until you break the law and get incarcerated. Entitlement comes with responsibility.

Charity also comes with responsibility. Personal responsibility. If you are receiving that charity, in any form or manner, you are responsible for the prudent use of that charitable contribution. You are spending other peoples money! Yes that is exactly what you are doing. It’s true that all of us will receive charity of one form or another, whether it is financial or social charity. We are all then responsible to react to that appropriately. If you are receiving financial support you are obligated to spend those funds in a reasonable and responsible fashion. If it is social charity you should respond with humility, respect and a genuine feeling of being thankful. You are only entitled to what you earn! Others, including governments, extending charity is simply a benefit. A benefit to you! Beggars can’t be choosers! Want to be a chooser? Earn that entitlement. It’s really that simple.