mw13, unfortunately, in today’s world, not everyone can give tzedakah, and many people, even those not learning, need to take it. How many people have medical bills? How many people are told because they work, they can’t get a break on tuition, and can barely afford to put food on the table because of it?
Look at organizations like Tomchei Shabbos, and see how many people desperately need their help, whether working or learning. The fact is, I already support kollel people. I pay their rent through HUD, I pay for their insurance through Medicade, I pay for their food through welfare, I feed their children through WIC… need I go on? My taxes pay for their needs.
It would be nice if the only tzedakah needed was to support people sitting and learning. Unfortunately, that’s not teh case. other people have tzaros also.