A Great Society?
I am currently in the process of researching LBJ’s Great Society for the purpose of critical evaluation. In the process I ran across this article. Using the events in New Orleans after Katrina as foundation the author examines the breakdown of society and places much blame on what he calls the “the socialist experiment”, LBJ’s Great Society and war on poverty. As the article points out the GS was created to help the poor, reducing poverty, and raise the bar for neighborhoods in America while improving health care and conservation policies. I am not taking the stance that all aspects of LBJ’s plan were bad. However, the creation of such a broad welfare base is in some ways (IMO) detrimental to those in poverty, leaving them dependent on the welfare system, with no incentive to raise the bar of personal triumph. Does anyone else see that a dependency could, and does, develop? There are some cases where families are economically better off if they have more children, do not seek a job or a higher wage, or separate. In a document detailing Reagan’s opposition to the development of a welfare state a case is referenced where a woman was seeking a divorce from her husband, a laborer earning $250 a month. If she divorced him she could receive $350 a month from the Aid to Dependent Children Program. Granted this was an old case, but similar instances can be found today. Is the wrong message being sent to people? What about work ethic? Pride? Determination to make it on one’s own? I’m not saying leave the poor hanging out to dry, but what about reform with incentive to get off the system and make it in the world by personal initiative?
Here is another article also referencing the breakdown of society during Katrina. Despite inadequacies society still screamed for the government to come to the rescue failing to make a personal attempt.
To a degree I can see the argument. Not being in the situation I can not imagine the hopelessness. However, I also know my personal drive to figure out a way to help my family, to see that needs are met. Has government dependency overrun that drive for many?
November 22 2005 11:36 pm | History and Ramblings
