Clients were seen as in need of help, and those in government made honest effort to provide the help that was needed through the administration of public programs. Inevitably those in the agency came to be seen as being ‘’ in control’’ of those dependent on the agency. For many clients, the agency’s view appeared to be quite patronizing and even dismissive. The stereotype of the thoughtless, uncaring bureaucrat is surely overdone but perhaps but contains a modicum of truth.