  I Carrie applaud you all for your passion. I actually agree with Jamie in that welfare does not benefit people but cripples them in a way that few can understand. But I also agree with Jon that though welfare doesn't help it is all we've got. I agree with Jesse in though I am Republican no party corners the market on every issue this country is facing.
And I agree with Amanda that alot of the problem is lack of education and money to pay those to educate. Try as we might the problem will never be fixed the man power, money, and effort it will take to pull the lower-class minority or not up by it "bootstraps" does not exist. We live in a fallen world and though these ideas look good on paper executing them is a totally different thing. That doesn't mean we should not try to choose the best political party or government representative.
I believe it naive to kid ourselves in believing that man holds any of the keys it will take to make this world equal for most much less us all. That's why we evangelize because our eyes are not fixed on here but eternity. I've learned from Ruthy of all people prosperity is not necessarily what people need it's a relationship with the Most High. I grew up on welfare and even after I was saved I couldn't keep a job it was no one but the God how changed that and made me a productive person in society.
I not trying to say that your argument is trite but get to the heart of the issue this country, this world, and especially our government need Christ or nothing can be accomplished. Forgive me for intruding. 
