I guess I approach all this from a Christian perspective:

1) The Bible is pretty clear that those who don't work shouldn't eat.

2) The Bible is also pretty clear that when the rich man failed to show kindness to Lazarus and share with him, the rich man was in bad shape with God.

The difference? Ability. Lazarus wasn't just a beggar - he was covered in sores and obviously in ill health.

I think we need to have high expectations for those who *can*, and compassionate assistance for those who *can't*. It's really pretty simple.