<<I do agree people should be self sufficent and pay for themselves, but not when that means they can not afford the mortgage, which is happening in many instances.>>
Ohhh dont get me started on people not being able to make their mortgage payments.  Now, I am not saying this pertains to you or anyone you know.....BUT.... what makes an average American person in their 20s, making maybe $20-40K a year, or less, feel like they are entitled to a $250K+ house?  
Our "house" cost about $8000 dollars... it's a doublewide trailer on an acre in the middle of nowhere, and I love it!  In a few years it was paid off, and now it is OURS.  Sure, I wouldnt mind tearing this down and building a 250K mansion on this lot, but that's just not feasible.  People nowadays think that they should be able to get what they want, right now, and never think to consider the consequences.  
When I was growing up in the 80s, everyone drove older cars.  How many older cars do you see on the roads now, especially in Suburbia?  Everyone needs to have a $400/month car payment on  a 2009 model, and then wonder why they can't pay their mortgage and insurance premiums.
America is or used to be, the land of opportunity, not the land of hand me everything for free on a silver platter.  Back in the beginning of this post someone said something about having to work for an unethical employer to keep their insurance.  I ask why?  Surely there is another job somewhere you could get insurance for an ethical employer, no?  Sure, you may have to keep your current job until you find one, (or use the COBRA option in the meantime), but nothing says you cannot find yourself a better job. 
Someone said something about low income people not getting the healthcare they need. HUH??  What is medicaid then?  I thought was the governtment sponsored healthcare for low income folks?  I know some people on Medicaid that has better healthcare than  our Blue Cross Blue shield.  I already have to pay THEIR way, I dont want to have to way YOUR way too.
Healthcare is NOT free!  Either you can pay your healthcare, or I can pay your healthcare, and frankly, I dont want to pay for you.
Sorry if this offends anyone.