When the U.S. was dealing with a once-in-a-century pandemic, government at all levels distributed lots of extra financial assistance and relaxed numerous regulations in an effort to keep the economy afloat and society functioning.
During the panic that was prevalent at the time, no one thought much about how the recipients of the benevolence might react when the aid was cut off and the rules were reinstated.
As the federal government shutdown illustrates, it is easy to create a benefit designed to address a temporary crisis. It is much harder to take it away.
