“The state and its people have been hard hit economically due to regulation and trade policy. Formerly self-sufficient people have been reduced to dependency and despondency. They need help, would it be better coming from private charity? Yes. “
You have to say no to the addicts. If you keep feeding them, their addiction will not go away. Plus, taxpayers pay heavily for that. It is better for people to take responsibility of their lives from day one, rather than say “I will be responsible when there is food on the table and roof over my head.”
No, putting food on the table and roof over your head is your FIRST responsibility as a citizen. Why should others be forced at gunpoint (all taxes are collected under the threat of imprisonment and/or death).
People of little means to start with have been treated very badly by trade policy and environmental regulation in West Virginia. You seem to be advocating just leaving them to their own devices after this massive flooding on top of all that.