[Sandy]

I missed the implicit /sarc, didn't I?

No. I'm dead serious. You said, "Why should he be penalized for being thrifty and productive?" I say, only in a welfare state--where government handouts are considered entitlements--can the lack of a handout be viewed as a "penalty".

[meyer]

I say, only in a welfare state--where government handouts are considered entitlements--can the lack of a handout be viewed as a "penalty".

It's not a "handout" if one has paid for it - it would be more properly considered as a return on investment, though forced payment probably doesn't fall under the heading of investment either. Who is more deserving of the money that the government has confiscated from part of the constituency - those that actually paid the money or those that are looking for a free ride?

[freedumb2003]

I say, only in a welfare state--where government handouts are considered entitlements--can the lack of a handout be viewed as a "penalty".

That is what I meant -- it was a proper reply by you.