Au contraire.

People can change their priorities from plasma TV's and crack pipes to saving and efficiently husbanding their resources rather than entering the dependent class and gaming the welfare system. There is always a choice and there is always opportunity. People give-up too readily. Ever been broke? I have (I lost everything and nearly declare bankruptcy -- perhaps I should have, but that's another story for another time). I worked my ass off at menial labor (caught chickens, worked in a rendering plant, cut survey line with a machete and brush hook, etc). I am not a wealthy man and never will be unless somebody else buys me a winning lottery ticket (damned if I'll buy one). I fully recognize that I could lose everything through no fault of my own. I work to mitigate that unfortunate possibility and to provide for a secure retirement. It's my muscles, my spine, my brain and my ass.

B