Should there be limits to an individual's property in society?

[Impenitent]

squandering?!? getting your next fix is never squandering...

-Imp

[MikeNovack]

squandering?!? getting your next fix is never squandering...

-Imp

Please do as I suggested and look up the results of these experiments.

Note that you are making an incorrect assumption about why those at the bottom are there., Yes of course, a sizeable fraction are persons with substance abuse problems. Persons with mental health issues. But a very large fraction are there through no fault of their own. Remember those NEAR the bottom (the working poor) have close to zero cash reserves (nothing like the three months recommended). Given the large number of such working poor some will encounter an adverse event, like breaking a leg (and not having paid sick leave). Having their parked car hit, totaled (the typical beatrer these folks drive has low "write off" amount) and now need expensive alternatives to get to work, Events like that. So now in a hole, cast down to the bottom, and no way to climb out. "Assistance" does NOT provide ways out of the hole.

THIS is the sizeable fraction for which there are positive results. No of course, no positive results for the fraction with substance abuse problems. However most cost effective not to try to determine in advance wo will e helped and who not.