Quote Originally Posted by Don Corleone
Back on topic....

I understand the economic argument against requiring folks to work. But I've never understood the morality/social conscience one. "WHY" is it wrong to require people to earn their upkeep, Idaho? Let's debate the politics European style and leave the economics out of it for now. In the what and why phase of this question. Let's just stick what should we do... we'll worry about 'how' later.

Sounds to me like Finland has the ideal answer. If you can't find a job, don't worry, they'll take care of you. But don't be surprised to find a pick or a shovel in your hands and being dragged of to join a road crew.
Don to be more accurate the same system as far as i know is pretty similar in Sweden and Norway also. I think its wierd that its wiewed as inhumane to put people in work.I think even people making something that is less profitable is better then nothing.So in my mind providing people education or temporary work when they are unimployed is more like taking care of them,by society.I must also must emphasise that the byrocracy tryes always to get them on their line of work.But when dealing with youngsters that doesnt have any working backround anything is better then to leave them doing nothing.