However, as a humane society we provide benefits to poor people. These benefits are a gift that taxpaying Americans have agreed to give to (in general) the financially disadvantaged, because of our basic decency as human beings. As with any gift, it is the giver and not the receiver who determines the extent of the gift. Or who should, anyway.
Precisely.
Which is why, when a government agency proposes to reduce benefits rather than raising taxes, we should at least recognize the possibility that this is a prudent use of taxpayers' money, and not immediately shriek "OMG!!! Death Panels!!!"