Here is an interesting quote from Jefferson. "A government strong enough to give you everything, is a government strong enough to take it away". It could be argued that our nation is headed down that path. So many of our programs originally designed to give temporary help or help to a few, end up being permanent or spreading out to help far more than originally intended.

Absolutely agree. I have no problem with giving people a hand up during tough times (because they can happen to anyone, regardless of how responsible and diligent you are). Where you lose me is when it becomes a handout and people feel they're entitled to a living. And we're seeing it on both ends of the spectrum; corporate welfare and the rich not wanting to pay their fair share, as well as people at the bottom end who either really need the help or are too lazy to get off their duffs and start improving their own lot in life. Who gets squeezed? The middle class, as usual.

Government should provide for "...the pursuit of happiness..." not happiness.