Yes it's true, our government is ENCOURAGING people to go on food stamps instead of promoting initiative and self determination. According to Caroline May at The Daily Caller, a USDA pamphlet encourages parties and games as a good strategy for local Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program offices to use as a way to increase participation in food stamp programs.

http://dailycaller.com/2012/06/27/usda-suggests-food-stamp-parties-...

Newt Gingrich was railed for merely telling the truth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXcyX8blbu0

Jesse Jackson unwittingly supported what Mr. Gingrich said with his naive humanitarian appeal and praise for Barack Obama for being the "food stamp president".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1EtS_mvYAE

It's exactly this mindset that prevents initiative and ambition. As long as the safety nets are there, some will stay at home and play Sony Playstation rather than embark on that job search.