do government handouts cause dependence?

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the U.S.D.A. (United States Department of Agriculture) provides Food Stamps to more Americans than ever (46 million Americans received Food Stamps in 2011 — a 70% increase from 2007).   This number of people being fed by your tax dollars is much higher if you factor in free school lunches, free commodities (WIC), and numerous other government programs.  Oh, and for those who are not aware, The Food Stamp program is now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Meanwhile, the United States Department of the Interior’s National Park Service has issued strong warnings to tourists and visitors throughout our National Park System —- Please Do Not Feed The Bears.  Their stated reason for this policy?  “The animals grow dependent on handouts“.  It stands to reason.  Feed them, and they never learn to take care of themselves by hunting / foraging for their own food.   Hmmmmm.