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?
None come to mind
Rather, it seems the likely course that the US Gov’t will expand welfare for all, including favored banks and politically-connected corporations, until it simply can not continue, and then it all collapses
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.