There is no such thing as a free lunch

This is an idea I've had for a while, figure this is as good a place to organize some thoughts, see if I can't flesh it out.

People seem to be reluctant to try major changes in government spending, tax codes, whatever. "We can't change farm subsidy bill, think of the farmers!" "Don't change the child tax credit, I get money for that!" Too many people seem to think that they're getting a deal somehow from the government, and with 47% paying no income tax, there are a lot thinking they are making out like bandits.

What people don't see are the higher prices they pay for groceries, clothing, cars, and so on due to protective tariffs, one of the forms of corporate welfare. They don't see the higher prices they pay at restaurants or other businesses because those businesses have to comply with crazy regulations.

There are definitely people who come out winners, receiving more government services than they pay for. However, more people think they are "winners" than really are, because they don't see all the ways government hurts them.

Well, I'll have to work on this idea more some other time, bedtime for now.