That's just the way it is in society.
Look, I'm single, I pay the highest tax rate (and yes, I need to make out a check and pay the government(IRS) within a week (deadline for us)).
I pay higher taxes so married with children couples have it easier. What's my benefit ?
Some people pay ,(by taxes), for roads and bridges, even though they don't drive.
I pay for playgrounds, that I have no use for, or education that I never used here, but need to pay it for the rest of my life.
If you want a strong country, citizens need to stop thinking of themselves, but think of the country as a whole.
And who knows, you may have a granddaughter with 2, 3 or 5 kids living off welfare in the future ?
Or a grandson in jail and a drug addict.
Or do you really think your blood-line down the road, will all be as hard-working, disease free, and healthy, like yourself ?
Face it, the more you work, and the more you earn, the bigger of share you pay on taxes.
Can you think of a better system ?
It's hard to take from people that don't have nothing !
And they are fellow Americans.
I hope when you stand to the National Anthem, you think of the country, and not only yourself.
I know, I sound social now, but like I said, you can't take money , where no money is to be taken.
Food banks are already running low or out of food, so don't count on these volunteer programs to always work.
Do you really want an America, that when tourists visit, they think they are in a 3rd world country ?
That's basically what would happen if you take away welfare housing and more living costs, most would end up on the streets or in ghettos.
I don't know how easy it is to collect welfare in the US. But, here, impossible if you don't have kids living at home, or are medical capable able to work, or you're not a Native.
My own mother for example, got kicked out of social housing, because her young, and only, son (my half brother) at age 16 at the time, quit going to school.
Welfare caught on, and basically declared him (the son) being independent if he no longer goes to school.
Therefor my mother was no longer entitled to social housing, and had to move elsewhere for double or tripple the rent.
So, yes, Islandfox, there are certain ways, the US could save money regarding social hand-outs.