"I'm not opposed to helping the truly needy, btw. But, take away the incentive to work, because the system will meet your needs with less effort, is what they are selling."

Dennis Miller, the comedian, parallels your opinion.  On a talk show with a two minute clip, he talks about having compassion and helping the helpless but then having "nothing left in the tank for the clueless".  He expresses my opinion extremely well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ9QO1lm-Mw