I’m guessing those of you who are making comments about taxes and foodstamps, don’t really understand how our tax system works or what food stamps are.
There is no possible debate that foodstamps and other programs are charity. The American government established these systems to help feed and shelter people who cannot afford it. It is 100% charity!
If you are sacrificing to be in Kollel, but on these programs, you are not really sacrificing – you are relying on the tzedaka of the American public.
Philosopher, your comments are really ironic “Middle classes gets squeezed so lets keep people on social services.” Um, that’s backwards. REDUCE government spending (and social programs is just one area) and taxes will go down. The money has to come from somewhere.
I would really like to see a Kollel couple who can make it on a teachers salary while taking no government benefits. Without side jobs. At least when pushing Kollel teachers should be realistic.