Victoria, Whether charity is performed by individuals, churches or other organizations it's voluntary and therefore unreliable. Making sure everyone's basic needs are met, which should be the government's job, is about common sense and building a stronger social structure. When I've taken trips to various countries in Europe, I've been impressed by the higher standards of living most citizens enjoy (made possible by state-funded health care, daycare, more mass transportation options, et cetera). As far as crime is concerned their streets are much safer than ours and they don't need as many police officers as we do. And I rarely saw a homeless person. Again, taking care of our most vulnerable citizens is not about charity, it's about serving the best interests of all. The countries I'm specificallly referring to are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, England, Spain and Germany. ------------Peter Schmitz CARAG
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