There are deep spiritual/social problems behind our reaction to welfare (and I guess the environmental crisis too):
- We do not know our neighbour personally so well these days (esp if they are on "welfare" or a distant African suffering from drought)
- We are in competition against our neighbour (for resources and do not have the beliefs or ways of thinking to unite us any more (Solidarity, Faith, Identity, etc)
- We believe some of the suspicious cynical lies around. John Harris is right to highlight the uncomfortable truth that many folk are convinced others are on the make with benefits
What do we do ? Keep the faith, work for solidarity, do proper analysis of how things really are, act for justice, reflect, inspire others. Don't lose heart sister and brother, and pray for me that I don't either !