In the real world there is one set of rules; in the entitlement world, there are another set.  In the real world, you can identify the poor and the needy; in the entitlement world, it is different.  In the entitlement world, the entitlement people will tell you who is poor, depending on the program, current political winds and other factors that you needn't worry your pretty little head about.  David Brooks has a great editorial in The New York Times on the recent State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) vote.  Enjoy.

I posted here and here on this previously.