Not only is your example metaphorically sound, it literally is too. IIRC 50 Million people receive food stamps, and I know of many who buy very expensive items on them. When I was younger I would have thought that it sounds great to get free money (Though other than a partial scholarship, the opportunity never was afforded to me, haha), but as an adult, I know that there is know free. What one may gain in prosperity they did not acheive themselves, they can be sure they paid for in the shackles of servitude.
The government gives nothing to one that was not taken from another. When the geese with golden eggs run out, they merely stop giving to the masses, and only give to themselves.