Like it or not, people will ask if you deserve financial assistance.

Do you meet their expectations?

I’ve mentioned that point from time to time on this blog. Families who have a reputation for volunteering their time or contributing funds to worthy causes, who are known for leading frugal lifestyles and taking good care of their possessions, who can pass a criminal background check or reference check, who got caught in financial or family circumstances that reasonable people would agree were not under their control …

THOSE are the people who are considered most “deserving” of limited financial assistance funds.

After all, where do you want to invest your hard-earned charity donations and precious volunteer time?

Now here is an example from today’s headlines regarding the auto industry bailout request:

CNN reports Big three auto CEOs flew private jets to ask for taxpayer money.

A snippet:

“There is a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into Washington, D.C., and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hand, saying that they’re going to be trimming down and streamlining their businesses,” Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York, told the chief executive officers of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors at a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee.

“It’s almost like seeing a guy show up at the soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo. It kind of makes you a little bit suspicious.”

He added, “couldn’t you all have downgraded to first class or jet-pooled or something to get here? It would have at least sent a message that you do get it.”