I currently pay about $300 a month in Social Security and Medicaid taxes. I resent that. I could be putting that money into a retirement fund that will generate interest, rather than something that generates negative interest. Realize that if I put money into a market account, any money left when I bite it can be given to my survivors. Not so much with Social Security. Now, if these programs worked like that, then I'd be less hostile about it - it would be an account for my money. Instead, it is taken from me and dispersed to other people, on the basis that future generations will pay for me. How backward is that? Can I buy my next car like that? "Don't worry, my grandchildren will pay you for this car."
I agree with you on the expense of rebuilding Iraq. We give these fuckers way too much, and they want more. Sounds like the welfare crowd at home. Of course here, I have a bit more influence. I can tell them "no". They want a few gallons of diesel? Find me the damn rocketeers. You want a well in your village so you don't have to drink from the polluted canal? Find me the assholes that are transporting IEDs. I make people work to get the benefits - and it's not easy work either. It might get them killed, but at least I know they really want those benefits. How many blood sucking welfare people are willing to put their lives on the line, as well as their family, to receive those benefits?