Marc,

I have no problem throwing the alcoholic, drug abuser off the dole, but we damn well had better have treatment available. This guy is destined to steal to support his habit and will probably make his way into the penal system where we will spend $50K a year to house him. His kids are another story. They didn't ask to be born into such misery and I think it is society's obligation to provide when the parent isn't. In the instance that your friend described, I would have no problem removing the children from his custody. Obviously I agree that too many  people are having kids who lack the maturity and finances to do it properly. I don't understand how you view me as a Robin Hood type character. Isn't it just common sense and the decent thing to do to for these children and, in the long run, for society as well?