Character is what made America great, lack of it is what has destroyed it. Even from the bginning we let greed lead. Indians and the black brought here by Portugal and Spain were abused by some and ignored by others. Just my opinion on what history I've studied in detail along with world history, I've always enjoyed the study of history from the Bible till recently.
I've heard the story many times. I don't think it was welfare, per se, that corrupted the system from Day One. I think it was Congress' inability to stick to their Enumerated Powers and resist the human temptation to "do good" with all the resources at their disposal. It was the first iteration of "How can we turn our backs on someone who needs so little when the nation has so much?"
Congress did agree of course. My understanding of charity from the Bible, Old Testament is 'widows and orphans' kind of thing. New Testament, if a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat. Of course, there are also those who aren't able and poor thru no fault of their own, those are the ones it is speaking of. Then again, not many blue-collar jobs are available now. Robots took over millions and millions more were sent to other nations. I sure don't have answers.just questions.