I would say they are trying to continue sending out cash to keep hordes of people from walking into a ‘Safeway or Kroger’ and taking what they want. People aren’t going to sit on the curb like the last Depression hoping for better days.
I lived through the L.A. riots and perhaps some of what you are saying is true. But remember after three days of riots, they called out the National Guard and started shooting rioters. We forget what happened to thieves and murderers in the 30's, they got punished harshly. People will sit on the curb, because a man with an army rifle will kill them if they don't.