Jim,
Your scenario isn't what really happens. It is what is used to sell the government program by cynical politicians who care no more for the guy in your story that a stray cat. (perhaps they care more for the stray cat)
Proof of this can be found at every governmental level when they don't have enough money to pay for all their projected spending. They all use the same tactic every time--"we'll have to close libraries, and lay off police, firemen, and teachers." Why? Because they know the public will not stand for that. SO they get the increase in taxes or debt and continue their overspending ways, and laugh at the stupid citizens who continue to fall for the scam.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags