sure, capitalism is an economic system, socialism is a political one. I can understand a short term need for social assistance, but ingraining these programs into society to a point where they are abused (even by the few) is destructive at best when the 'greater good' is touted as a mechanism to continue proliferation of inequitable rewards, it has a very real impact on economics as well as government. the democratic form of govt runs the risk of turning into a socialist/fascist entity. the point has already been made that we continue to punish fiscally responsible people, and vice-versa. govt really has no role of playing robin hood, but fostering an environment where a strong capital-based economy makes this situation unnecessary.