"Asking the government to help you for short periods of time is different than asking the government to take care of you for the rest of your life"

This quote by Donna Shalala is highlighting the value of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. She is recommending that it is appropriate to ask the government for assistance in times of need, but it needs to not be trusted as a long-lasting solution. Instead, individuals ought to aim to end up being self-sufficient and take obligation for their own lives. This quote is a pointer that while the government can offer short-lived assistance, it is eventually up to the individual to look after themselves and their families. It is necessary to keep in mind that the federal government can not attend to us permanently and that we must take obligation for our own lives.