Quite obviously you've never been through a natural disaster or other event which you cannot prepare for or handle. Some folks are not so lucky.
I am sure there are natural disasters that you cannot prepare for or to handle. But you are not seirously suggesting that Sandy is one of such events, right?
It establishes at least basic protections should be provided
So what are considered "basic"? food? clothing? public housing or a MacMansion for everyone? ...
[/quote]to ALL the populace[/quote]
OK, where is my mortgage principal reduction then? why am I subject to means testing, just because I did the responsible thing of saving up for my retirement or to investment in myself, rather than blowing my savings on some $500/pair shoes or $5000 flat screen tvs?
based upon a series of taxes levied upon the citizens.
Yeah, let's levy that series of taxes on ALL of our citizens if ALL of our citizens receive benefits of such taxes.
Because not everyone gets lucky enough to avoid tragedy,
I am sure I have money in the bank because I am lucky, 
Again, wealth redistribution is only fair to those demanding wealth redistribution as long as they are recipients of such redistribution.
You don't think so? Try to tax those folks in the name of wealth redistribution.