Altruism

Altruism is selfless devotion to the needs of others. It can still be a form of pursuit of rational self-interest; it is just that the satisfaction is gained by helping others rather than by selfishly helping oneself.

Views
The government sometimes takes advantage of people's altruistic leanings; Loyd S. Pettegrew and Carol A. Vance write, "Almost any government program, no matter what its cost in money or personal liberties, can be sold through the media by claiming it is for (1) the children, (2) the environment, (3) the elderly, (4) the poor, (5) the homeless, (6) the national defense, (7) homeland security, or (8) the sick."