[scottw]

yes, free stuff ...pencils given away to patrons of a convention or toasters for opening a checking account is a far cry from the dependence and government handouts that jpt was referencing.....the state and those invested in the expansion of it spend a considerable amount of time trying to convince as many Americans(legal and illegal) as possible that they are entitled and deserving of these handouts and transfers....you have to remember that swollen dependency programs are their best indication of the effectiveness of their policies........ if they don't "perceive" stuff as "free"...it's because wordsmiths like Spence have been telling them in many ways for the last 50 years that it is, in fact, something that they are deserving of and indefinitely entitled to just though the very nature of their being or perceived need, sins of the past and on and on..., it's what makes America great...right???, ...and that those who would withhold, take it away or refuse to pay their fair share are the enemy....if you read the Bible, this is the language of Satan of the Bible...."who told you right is not wrong and up is not down"...." if you simply do as I say, I will give you everything"....sewing the seeds of hatred and discontent all along the way....it's not at all the natural order of things...humanity

many Americans, who I believe, base on conversations that I've had, and who have fully supported these programs and their authors for years, not because Ponzi schemes make much sense but because when they look in the mirror they see a better person for having supported these things, are now understanding to one degree or another that it's not at all compassion but rather, the perpetual growth of an administrative state that gorges on freedom and liberty....funny to hear them blame it on those who didn't do enough to stop it rather that those who did all that they could, with their help and votes ...to create it...