Welfare state?

That's what someone called the U.S. today on the radio. He mentioned that defense allocations took up about 40% of the federal budget during the cold war build-up (in the 50s) and "entitlements" far less. (I think I remember the figures.) Now entitlements (or welfare) take up the majority of the budget, passing up defense even though our military is involved in Iraq! Medicare and Medicaid take up a good portion of the entitlements or welfare payments. Unfortunately, I'd have to agree. Too many people are dependent on the government and I think welfare state is pretty accurate. The work ethic in the U.S. has gone downhill to such a degree that a lot of people don't want to earn a living but would rather have it handed to them! Folks need to take responsibility for themselves!