Welfare Assistance: Is it Helping Us or Hurting Us

Welfare assistance has been in existence since after the Great Depression.  Before 1977, receipients had to pay a percentage to receive food stamps. Now food stamps are free to receive based on certain guidelines and criteria.  People of low income, no income, and even college students are eligible to apply and receive food stamps.  When you think of welfare assistance, some feel this is an "temporary" aid for thos of low income, no income, etc.  However, there are some families who have been on welfare from generation after generation.  So, is Welfare helping us or hurting us?  Why do some people take advantage of the welfare system for personal gain such as having more children to receive more benefits, selling left over food stamps for real money etc.? How is the welfare system effecting the thought process of children having children in order to receive benefits? Should the welfare system be re-constructed with a program that aids those in finding a job help them get off of welfare? Should all states follow the model from Florida that now requires all applicants to be drug screened?