I'm just pointing out a fact. I didn't give an in depth opinion on the matter one way or the other. Rates are more important to look at then raw numbers though. Sure Canada has less school shootings, but the also have roughly 90% less citizens then we do.
Even at 5% fixed with 10% down on a 600k loan, 2250 would cover the interest ONLY. Thats not including property taxes or principal. Oakland's property taxes are probably the highest in the bay area if I remember correctly, so thats something to consider too.
This discussion reminds me of a line from the movie the Departed, "Well make more fuckin' money. This is America. You don't make money, then you're a fuckin' douchebag."
But your counter-argument to the one you said you commonly hear is weak. You see only the good just as they see only the bad. I don't know the stats, but I don't think the majority of people of welfare were at one time aspiring entrepreneurs who's businesses went bankrupt.
The term welfare is ambiguous. When I hear people criticize welfare, I assume they are talking about the AFDC. The Aid to Families with Dependant Children accounts for 1 percent of the federal budget. I'd say if someone is targeting welfare as a source of runaway government spending, they should look elsewhere. Defense comes to mind.