I get exactly what you are saying Denny, believe me. But I think people as a whole are too quick to label those in genuine need (too often because of corporate greed or indifference) as parasites, and label those who want to help them as Socialists. It's easier than doing the "right" (and usually difficult) thing. Blame the problem on the individual and we absolve ourselves of our moral and societal responsibilities. Stick any label you want on me. I am not a Socialist. And I am reluctant to call myself a Christian because I am too fallible for that lofty perch. But I believe in the teachings of Christ and have no doubt He would be appalled at how little we have learned in His absence. I have never bought into the "I've got mine, now screw you" worldview. Whether I like it or not (and I rarely do) I am my brother's keeper....
Infrastructure doesn't know the difference between a rich and poor person. I don't advocate anarchy. The right amount of minimal government is fine. Government's best role is in providing infrastructure like roads or post office or printing money. Government's worst role is playing robin hood (stealing from the rich to give to the poor).
The problem is that the bigger government becomes and the more it takes, the less willing people are to do charity. "I'm paying enough, let the government do it." The government is just awful at it.
Is it a big leap of thought to consider health care and education to be infrastructure for our population?
That sir is a bogus question. I take the SS and the VA benefits. But I will tell you, I would swap it for all the taxes I have paid, one year it hit 67% federal, 11% state, 8% sales and a $4000 in property tax. I think it comes out even for me when I reach 107 years. I am not sure though, 6 years in the Navy and the big deal in the pay in those day was getting max credit for SS payments instead of pay.
Yes. You are taking someone's labor, effectively making them slaves. For the (so called) "benefit" of someone else. It's not right any way you look at it. By taking someone's labor, I mean the government telling a worker (doctor, nurse, hospital) what they can charge.
Marzy -- you got it easy. Don't know if many of us will ever see any return on our investment. I don't begrudge you from taking the benefits you helped to financially support even if you don't support them. You paid, you should get every penny coming your way.
