http://www.latimes.com/business/la-na-disability21aug21,0,4635891.story?coll=la-util-nationworld-nation (LA Times article, requires free registration) The LA Times is running a series about what "entitlements" actually are and are perceived to be, in the context of an ongoing, informative series about just why so many Americans feel economically insecure, despite all kinds of good news about the economy. Here, I've been focusing on serious bad stuff among certain identified poor populations, and the reasons for that poverty. This article reverts to arguments I've since abandoned, frankly--the realities of not collecting on health insurance when people get ill, for instance. High medical bills and zap--there goes the family farm, literally. Yet these pieces make the point that Americans have more "entitlements" than welfare going for them. Personally, I believe that a lot of grief (economic and otherwise) would be lessened by instituting universal healthcare--including care for mental conditions. Can't work if you're sick, and other downward spirals. later, Carol ------------------------------------------------------------------ To change your Lit-Ideas settings (subscribe/unsub, vacation on/off, digest on/off), visit www.andreas.com/faq-lit-ideas.html