This is what comes of it

In my rambling on how charity works, and what its failings are as a model for the social safety net, I pointed out that the US has imbued a moral aspect to it... those who need help are somehow less worthy as people.

Woman humiliated when using SNAP

Cindy Nerger of Warner Robins, Ga., said she and her husband aren't proud when they use their food stamp debit card to buy groceries....

But Nerger said she never expected to be deliberately humiliated. That's what she said happened last week after she argued with a manager over her bill at a Kroger grocery store. The cashier told her she owed $10, which Nerger said could not be possible because she knew food stamps covered the items in her cart. A manager eventually let her go, but not before giving Nerger a piece of his mind.

"He finally just said, 'Okay, just give it to her.' I said, 'See, I told you it was covered by food stamps,' and he said, 'Excuse me for working for a living and not relying on food stamps!'"

It shouldn't be shameful to have a need. It shouldn't be shameful to get help.

People who think so, should be ashamed.