[Charles Martel]

Has there ever been a case with such extreme handouts where people were actually weaned from such programs, the budgets were cut, and they again become productive citizens?

No, I don't believe so... not at this extreme level. German Reunification came close, but many people in East Germany *wanted* to be free of Communism and to live productive lives. Over fifty percent of this country is ideologically headed in the opposite direction.

The Germans had an easy time of it, compared to what lies ahead for us.

[Durus]

Has there ever been a case with such extreme handouts where people were actually weaned from such programs, the budgets were cut, and they again become productive citizens?

Sure...but it usually requires the fall of an empire and a mass die off for those that couldn't become productive citizens.