Note: I have never rented to a section 8 tenant.
Indeed, Adam Smith lived in a different USA: The one before the civil war and FDR. There is now a large constituency who believe giving others what they need or want is “helping” them.
I know I am in a tiny minority here but…
As long as a society believes there will always be the poor who must rely on others for sustenance, that society’s false premise will require the community to support the poor voluntarily, ignorantly, or angrily.
I look forward to the time (not likely in my lifetime) when individuals believe in themselves and their ability to improve their own lives, no matter what their current situation. Until then, we, in this society WILL bear this expense, again, whether it be voluntarily, ignorantly, or angrily. If it becomes particularly onerous to ME, I will vote with my feet and move elsewhere as voting with my ballot will have proven little effect.
Adam Smith was pointing out that the butcher, the brewer, or the baker cares not that YOU eat, drink and be merry, he cares that you pay him so that HE may eat, drink and be merry. All businesspeople must care about that first or they will have no business.
No matter what, I feel we must create our own world around us, be that taking handouts or providing a product or service for money. It is our own choice whether we care about how that money was obtained by the other. Perhaps it was money made “under the table” or given by grandma, or made at the job or a handout from the gummint. Therefore I say: Suum Cuique.
Steve
P.s. I am of the 'teach a man to fish" philosophy.