Last thing, I know there are some horrible people on public assistance. I worked in a public housing sector/non profit community assistance program in the early 90's. There were some People that couldn't stay off drugs, never looked for a job and/or couldn't hold one down. I worked with the kids of those people and I'll relate a little story that may help some of you understand where I'm coming from better.
I have seen executives in those areas (school administration, housing authority manager, HUD, social services) say they wouldn't help the kids in those families because their parents were deadbeats. I stood up for those children. Every time I see the words used here like they can fend for themselves, take advantage of their opportunities, dirtbags etc I think that same way. You may not agree with the choices the adults have made and you likely have every right not too, but there are children in those circumstances that have no choice.