Roger that Ryan, good copy and I agree with what you've written above.

I guess my problem with some of the perceived bias against those who claim benefits comes from a sort of closet liberal in me.

Damn closet liberal! I am trying to move past what is perceived as independent, if that is possible. I hope to someday describe myself as Egalitarian. I think the Founding Fathers were all about that.

Enough about political labels as they set off alarms here.

Food stamps, social security, etc.
I mean, we contributed to these programs, right? So my thinking usually goes as follows- having contributed, these programs should be available when needed.