Believing that it "ultimately comes down to both the individual and society", means I see the importance of balance, but also means I understand the fulcrom point to be very dynamic; always in motion.   The other main dynamic is the to-and fro motion between the individual and the group.

    Once, while working with a very old chart for a public assistence case, I saw an offical stamp on an application. It was dated in the very late 30's. The application had obviously been approved. In big red letters it read "DEEMED WORTHY BY THE COUNTY COUNCIL."

    When it comes down to basic needs, there is not one person on earth whose view is so clear and without prejudice, that if comes with the right to judge whether some one is worthy to eat, worthy to have shelter from the storm, worthy to have necessary and important routine medical care.
   
So, if that person or family you or I think we know, really were lazy and doofluss and thatsallthereistoit,thankyouverymuch!, Our collective responsibility requires that we offer a helping hand anyway.

IMHO,

Janie