It is interesting to see how Americans get outraged when confronted with the brutal reality of the outside world. I think andreytcho's point is more about personal responsibility for your offspring and your parents. Americans do rely heavily on the government to care of their sick children(Group homes) and parents(Nursing homes), way more than other nations. They care about sick and disabled in theory, but not when it comes to their own families. I see it every day on my job.