Programs have fed sense of entitlement

The Gazette Editorial Board and Jennifer Hemmingsen don't get it. First, it seems clear that Gov. Terry Branstad views the food bank as a charity. His actions support it in that role. Charitable contributions, not taxpayer dollars, should fund food banks. Our governor did not get it wrong, but The Gazette editors sure did (Wednesday Gazette Editorial and Hemmingsen column).

Hemmingsen feels that it is wrong to reduce food stamp funding in the agriculture bill being debated in Congress. She failed to mention that food stamp participation and costs have reached record numbers and nearly doubled during the Obama administration. It is pretty easy to figure out who is paying those additional costs. But no matter what the government does, there will always be people in need. Real charity, not government entitlements, are a better solution.

American life was better when family, friends and community took care of those in need - voluntarily. The benefactors were grateful for that assistance and to those who provided it. Today, although many are appreciative, too many feel entitled to the various forms of assistance, including government-provided supplemental food programs. Interestingly, in our national parks they suggest we not feed the wildlife or they may become dependent. Using that same logic, it makes me wonder if government food programs are really helping those that they are intended to help.

Denny Samuelson

Marion