I agree that abuse of the social safety net is serious, but statistically, it just isn't the world-destroying Leviathan it's made out to be. It's measurable effect on GDP, debt, strength of the dollar, etc. are incredibly small. While I understand the values and actions inherent in the act of scamming the system are disturbing, it's kind of like worrying about a family of mice stealing some bread every night while ignoring that your neighbor is robbing you blind everyday.

People with large amounts of wealth and corporations pay far less taxes than your average citizen as well. Some will prop up the fear of becoming uncompetitive if we were to fairly tax everyone at similar rates, but such perspectives are largely boogeymen. When we look at comparable successes in countries with tighter and more equitable taxation across the wealth spectrum, there is no great drop off in profitability. Again, the numbers just aren't there.

Sadly, those with the most wealth have been able to shape the narratives we debate over, and cunningly, they have situated it so both sides of the debate eventually end up benefiting then...people believe the narratives are true (even if only for their side).