The problem with Les Gara's line of thinking is that many of the government programs that are designed to target societal ills are largely ineffective. Some programs even incentivize people to remain in poverty because by working and raising your personal income, you loose too much value in all the benefits you receive. 

Before the days of big government, private individuals, charities, churches, etc., lead the effort to administer social welfare programs. There was more of a mentality to give a hand up than a hand out. There was more accountability ensuring that those who received the services actually needed them. With many government programs, you have very little of that.