Spot on, aside from one ‘correction’/opinion.
RE: ‘So called ...conservatives’. There is no need to prefix. Either one is a Constitutionalist (define the debate vs. A1S8), or one still utilizes the power of gov’t to obtain ones’ wishes vs. Freedom/Liberty of the Individual.
There are FAR too many, even here, who would keep SS/Medicare (since they ‘paid into’ the system), the Drug War, Welfare (we ‘NEED a safety net’ for those TRULY needy), etc. What loses in those types of debates, is the basis/basics...where does the gov’t get THAT POWER/ability?
We need a safety net. There are unforeseen events, acts of G-d, emergencies. There are options for several without violation of the constitution.
First, any state that wishes to provide a system like that can provide some package of safety net services. Such a state is limited in that it can not inflate the currency to provide for such services.
Second, any person who wishes to pay for another’s rent, health care, food, or to provide for income, is free to do so. Let us call that “Charity”.
Third, any person can create, fund, purchase, or rent shares in a corporation that is free to provide rent, health care, food or income to its members, to the limits of its resources. Such a corporation would be free to operate in any state or territory, subject to the laws of that state (or territory).
The choice is not between a safety net and no safety net. It is between coerced bad and over priced service, and freely arranged, correctly priced service that is the best available.