Originally Posted by RebelR

The issue I have with that 1% number is that they say it's <1% because any other number would force their hand to actually reform the system. Also (and I know that its based on anecdotal evidence) 1% would mean that most people would know no one that is collecting, and if you did, the chances of knowing multiple people that are gaming the system would be near impossible.

These government programs are always intended to be a hand up, but usually end up just being hand outs, as the marginal people receiving them, start to realize that it is more lucrative to stay on the program than to actually go out and work. This impacts the people who really need it the most as they get painted with the same brush.

The Republicans seem to be adopting a Throw the baby out with the bath water approach. Not sure if its the smartest approach, but not sure what else they can do that will effect change. Shutting down the "slush fund" and forcing reform, or an alternate way of finding fun seems to be the only way.