Perhaps that example was a bit broad. My point was that most any government program can be justified by comparing it to an even more expensive less effective alternative. For example, government paid health care is often justified because it will prevent more expensive emergency care at a later date.
If it is so important for these people to remove their tatoos, why can't they pay for it? If other people want to help, why don't they create a non-profit to do it? Why is a government solution necessary?
> If it is so important for these people to remove their tatoos, why can't they pay for it?
Ask the same question of college student getting gubmint loans. They have to pay *those* back, do they not?