i might agree with you 108181. Except in the examples you pointed out, the government is essentially making a profitable investment. They give money to people and buisnesses that multiply that investment, then they get back more than their original investment in taxes from that company. AMERICAN GNP HAS INCREASED. in my situation - cheap engineering education - the government pays for alot of my education. It cost them money now but a mechanical engineer is a valuable asset to this country. I will make about 4 times the average income of the average American. that means more income tax - which paid for the education with ease. It is also very likely that some of the engineers who receive government assisted education will make technologies which save money and benefit society as a whole. Long story short - government welfare should support those who can multiply what they receive