Although we should likely limit the amount of assistance across the board, I first became aware of the excessive support we are giving to the oil & gas industry.
Currently, we are giving $ billions to an industry whose main companies — such as Exxon ($32.5 billion in 2014 annual profits) or Chevron ($19.2 billion in 2014 annual profits) — are consistently profitable to the tune of tens of billions (with a 'B') dollars each year.
Consistent profitability among these businesses informs us that these entities should no longer count on, or be entitled to, our (U.S.) support. They are doing just fine on their own.
Think of all the worthwhile programs these funds could support in the public sector.