[Colonel_Flagg]

How we treat the poor is near and dear to God’s heart. Scripture repeatedly says He watches that.

He does, but he also doesn't expect government to do it. Read John 21:15-18 and observe carefully to whom Jesus is speaking. It's not Pontius Pilate.

[DannyTN]

I see scriptural mandates to individuals, churches and government and rulers. And the mandate to the government doesn't negate the mandate to the individual, any more than the mandate to the church negates the mandate to the individual. We are all held responsible.

Jer 22:15 Shalt thou reign, because thou closest [thyself] in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, [and] then [it was] well with him?Jer 22:16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then [it was] well [with him: was] not this to know me? saith the LORD.