But the collective is not more important than the individual.

I can value both. It's not either or. The "collective" can be of great worth the people within it. It is made up of indivudals after all.

They do deserve a chance to better themselves.

And if they try but still end up in poverty then what? Plenty work hard all their life and still die poor.

but at least I'm practicing my principles.

Oh, so your principles matter more then actually improving anything? of course.

But as i said, i can't argue this any more then i have. I have said all that i can possibly say and this is now just an exercise in re-iterating the same basic fucking points to you.