I tend to agree with you Jim....but here's the problem I have with that system.....

You said:
Mentally and physically disabled and elderly people with no living relatives to care for them.

The problem I have is the living relative part. Here's a not so hypothetical scenario....

I have a cousin who has pretty much distroyed his life. Works occasionally. We (the rest of us) don't have anything to do with him because, well...he's a scum bag. Suppose I am his only living relative at some point....I would rather blow ALL my money and live out of my car rather than give him one red cent.

I realize that there would need to be some revisions in your system....and I certainly hope you don't think I should spend what I have worked for on him.....I'm more in favor of the general fund you were talking about in this case...

Katie