Why don't conservatives see that welfare programs are good for society as a whole?

[Rev. Rye]

It seems I can't turn on the tv or get on the internet without hearing conservatives decrying the amount of money that is "lavished" on the poor. I have even heard one say that the poor should not be allowed to vote.

What do they think would happen if these programs would cease to be? People would not have enough money to fill their basic needs and would become increasingly desperate. These people with nothing would eventually turn violent in order to get what they need. So wouldn't it be better if they receive assistance from the government and have their basic needs met than have millions of starving people going after everyone just to get something to eat?

A historical example would be the Revolution Era in France, which was partly caused by high grain prices and the lavishness of aristocrat's lives.

So even if you don't understand that you should help the less fortunate there is a more cold and practical reason for social welfare.

Because they don't give a damn about what is good for society as a whole. They only care about what's good for businessmen, the churches, and themselves.