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In my last column I argued that the lifeline we’re throwing to those at the bottom rungs of society is increasingly beyond their grasp. Truth is, we also don’t provide them with many chances to rise up. With neither a hand out nor a hand up, too many citizens are consigned to pretty dim life prospects.

What’s more, other efforts taken to assist them have been akin to the actions taken by Capt. Renault in the movie “Casablanca.” The captain famously responded to a shooting of a Nazi by a known assailant with the unforgettable instructions to “round up the usual suspects.” Renault hoped that the appearance of vigilance would protect him from his evil superiors, and we all hope he was right.