[maskedmelon]

I think the relevant question is, why do we need more social programs? It seems to me that social welfare programs all contribute to degradation of the family unit upon which every society is built. Social security affords the elderly independence, but dilutes parental bonds and removes them from the household when historically they played an integral role in helping raise children. Welfare allows men and families to avoid responsibility for premature procreation and fosters increased single motherhood. Not because it incentivizes it, but because it helps to de-stigmatize it. You can be damn sure that if most fathers or families thought their children/mothers/sisters were actually going to starve to death, thy would help take care of them and through that shared suffering would be more likely to learn from the mistake rather than rolling the dice and hoping it doesn't happen again. Who's into feathers?