Oh, I feel welfare it better dealt with by the states conceptually. The problem is that it already is, and they have different payouts, so those who abuse the system flock to those locations. It might actually be better to have the feds step in, and level that playing field. I also know that the vast majority of us took out federal college loans, although I don't consider that charity. *shrugs*

As for things like social security, it was created by people selected by the citizenry. They got what they wanted. What I will say is that I've got a hunch that says the total level of literacy in a population is a static value, so as the percentage of the literate increases, to compensate, the average level of education drops. As a result, the people don't always understand what they are doing.

I'm also going to say that I think we should have enacted reciprocal trade regulations, and penalized US based companies that move thier production over seas. Penalized hard. And that I like the idea of a flat income tax- I dont' mind an income tax, I have a problem with loopholes and favors, and people who make a million dollars a day who pay less.

I have made a terrifying observation- the older I get, the pinker I get. I don't like that, but it is true.