[dmm]

Well, I know one example of what is NOT a positive contribution: lying around doing nothing but getting drunk or high. Can we all agree on that? It seems to me that the only kind response to that is to forcibly take away the addict's freedom long enough to dry him/her out. But some people don't like depriving addicts of their right of self-determination. OK, if that isn't allowed, then the only kind thing to do is to let them get so hungry that they are willing to commit themselves to a detox center. To give an addict free food and shelter is extremely cruel in the long run.
And I submit that the same argument applies to lazy good-for-nothings; it is just not so obvious.
And Lastly, I say why do these extra rights stop at food and shelter? What about clothing, education, transportation, entertainment, recreation, etc.? And it has to be good stuff, because surely dignity is also a basic human right. Would you deny another man dignity, you cold-hearted SOB?

[edit: everyone recognizes the sarcasm at the end there, right?]

[ 10 April 2002: Message edited by: dmm ]