For able bodied adults, I believe that income should reflect productivity. Wherever government interferes human character is damaged. A study done years ago found that "The typical American defined as poor by the federal government has a car, air conditioning, a refrigerator a stove, a clothes washer and dryer, and a microwave. He had two color televisions, cable or satellite TV reception, a VCR or DVD player, and a stereo. He is able to obtain medical care. By his own report, his family was not hungry and he had sufficient funds in the past year to meet his family's essential needs.". The countries to which I am comparing America are primarily France (multiple trips), Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Austria, Holland, and though not in Europe, England. The simplicity of households in these countries together with their far higher cost of living, makes most American households seem opulent. What is tragic is the fatherless homes (& consequent juvenile delinquency) brought by welfare.