kat -"I also know of a man who has had some health problems and figured out the "system" to the order of having his way paid through college, having a new van paid for by some government agency, getting a complete workshop set up in his home and paid for by the government, etc., etc. and it infuritates many of us, esp. when he flaunts it, which he is prone to do."

It's your country too kat...if you see people abusing the system, they are in essence abusing you. You can't expect the government to take more responsibility for you and your friends than you are willing to take yourself. However, if the "jerk" is able to use his benefits to re-enter society with a viable skill and able to support himself after training, then more power to him...that's the work ethic discussed before. If job's are scarce, starting his own business may be the only way...or moving..

"A trip to any Indian Reservation would quickly dispel some of that rosy-tint on his glasses" ... I disagree, some (granted not many) reservations are doing fairly well with casino's, but my point is it is unfair to make sweeping generalizations about poverty in the same way it is unfair to make them about wealth.

Amergin -"If I remember correctly the Clinton Administration came heavily under fire when they attempted to create a National Health Service..... " I don't think people are opposed to the idea of a National Health Service...I think they were shocked and disappointed about the particulars of HOW it would be implemented. More than a few people were also resentful that Hillary was the main force behind the design...