I agree with custosnox.
There are many reasons why people are poor and many of them are not completely because they haven't tried hard enough. Half the people you know have a less than average IQ. Many circumstances can cause an unlucky person to spiral into debt, unemployment, and homelessness.
I know some of these people. You know some of these people. They are part of our society. I believe I live in a country that has amazing wealth and power and I like that my country can take care of the disadvantaged. I when I say my country. I mean our churches, our non-profits, and even our government. I am willing to pay a little more in taxes to the government to make it work.
I know you get it guido. You served in our military to protect all Americans and not just rich Americans. You have given generously to the Food Bank and inspired me to give more to them. You may write like Scrooge, but we know deep down you have the giving spirit.
We all want them to get off the government dole. No one disputes that. But we can afford it if we spend less elsewhere.
These are the percentages of the Obama budget this year by category...
National defense operations 7.89%
Other National defense 7.22%
Military personnel 4.16%
Veteran's benefits 3.22%
Unemployment compensation 2.52%
Education and job training 2.77%
Housing assistance 1.22%
Student financial aid 0.58%
Military spending by the United States in 2010 was $687 Billion. The United States was number one. Number two through 20 spent less than that combined.
(in order of spending) China, France, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Italy, India, Brazil, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Israel, Netherlands and Greece combined spent less than the United States.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_military_expenditures Spend a little less on military stuff and we can afford to take care of all Americans. Spend even less on war and we could afford to lower you taxes.