Is our compassion killing us?

Imagine that  your uncle came to visit and announced that he was out of a job and a place to live.  He asked for your help for a short amount of time.  Of course you said YES and offered him your guest bedroom.  A few days later his wife and three minor children came - and they too moved in with you and your family.  A week or so later his parents and his wife's parents and their other adult siblings came to live with you too.  None of them worked.  None of them contributed to the household and you were now going broke, not able to take proper care of your own immediate family.

Compassion is a great thing.  It would be wonderful if more people had it.  BUT isn't your responsibility primarily to your own family?  Isn't there a time when you have to kick out all these freeloaders?  It's hard.  Some of them are children.  Some might be disabled.  Yes, it would be incredible if you could take care of them all - and all the others that will follow.

Isn't that what is happening here in California - and elsewhere in the country?

Isn't it true that the more we help people the less they do for themselves?  Isn't it true that the more word gets out about our generosity the more people will and do land on our doorsteps?

How do we change it?  How do we help those really needing our help without encouraging those who probably could work to live "off the dole" as they say in Great Britain. 

How do we stop the influx of those wanting our largess without being cruel?

That is the problem we currently face.