"I also realize that "handouts" tend to create perverse incentives that can perpetuate poverty. However, the poverty gap is still so steep in this country (as compared to that of other similarly developed countries) that I cannot understand why the concept of a safety net for the most vulnerable is controversial... - Healthcare policy."
Americans are the most generous people in the world. And we do have numerous safety nets for those less fortunate. We even understand the need. Some great American - I've forgotten who - once said we need a safety net but not a hammock.
Good intentions are taken advantage of by those who try to beat the system. Study the effects socialism has had in the countries you have mentioned above.
You will find a greater disparity between the haves and the havenots under socialism. The problem in that system is that the havenots have less opportunity to rise. Not so under capitalism - where people can one day reap the benefits of their hard work.
If you lived in Tennessee you would witness the adverse effect state health care has had on our state's economy.
Fellow Tennessean, here. I know what you mean.