madskillz -
To quote your last sentence. YOU know homeless folk, and YOU do not brush them off, but YOU try to help them when YOU can. YOU treat people the way YOU want to be treated.
The onus concerning the welfare of those around you - family, the needy, total strangers is on yourself. And that's the way it should be, because government cannot lend a helping, guiding hand as much as you or I can.
Yes, assistance absolutely needs to exist. However, the problem with your situation is a classic example of why government assistance doesn't work - it's a very rigid thing that defined that your dad made too much money, because they decide on a scale, and not need. That's the core component of why I believe poverty relief doesn't work when it's controlled by the government. When churches, individuals, not-for-profit charities, and other associations contribute to the welfare of society, everyone can benefit as it isn't determined by Uncle Sam's yardstick - it's determined by caring, loving, unique individuals that can help unique people in difficult situations.
And to finish: No one is arguing phasing out welfare. People need fallbacks. The question is who runs the fallback: the government (who really couldn't and wouldn't help your dad) or individuals (that can see the hurt and problem of your situation, and react accordingly).
Back from the dead, I'm afraid.
