As citizens, we no longer guide the poor. Today we expect the government and charities to fight poverty. But that is not how it used to be.
Back in the Day
A hundred and twenty-five years ago, the citizens waged war on poverty. Nobody thought then that the government would solve the problem:
“In Baltimore, the Association for the improvement of the Condition of the Poor had two thousand volunteers who made 8,227 visits in 1891 to 4,025 families. Nearly half of those families were headed by widows, and they generally received material aid; most of the others were headed by able-bodied men, who generally received help in fighting alcohol and opium addiction and securing jobs. The personal involvement of rich and poor, not just material transfer, was evident in many ways.[i]”
The description comes from the book the Tragedy of American Compassion, which examines Americans’ interaction with the poor and their gradual disconnect over the last 125 years. Today, if you ask Americans who is responsible for solving poverty, they would say the government. But 125 years ago, they would have said it was their job.
The War on Poverty
When President Lyndon Johnson (LBJ) declared war on poverty in 1964, he said: “This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America. I urge this Congress and all Americans to join with me in that effort.”
So the nation got busy and formed the Great Society Programs. The citizens stepped back as the government stepped up. Perhaps that was not intended, but that is what happened. What is remembered today from the speech is the phrase “war on poverty.” What isn’t recognized is the phrase “all Americans to join me.” Did that mean supporting the government plan with taxes and votes or getting personally involved and working with the poor?
For clarification, here is LBJ asking the American people to support his programs:
“What you are being asked to consider is not a simple or an easy program. But poverty is not a simple or an easy enemy. It cannot be driven from the land by a single attack on a single front. Were this so we would have conquered poverty long ago. Nor can it be conquered by government alone.”
Can Government Solve the Poverty Problem?
Is it possible for the government to solve the poverty problem alone? No – not even LBJ thought it could. To solve poverty, those in poverty need individualized help, mentoring, know-how, and encouragement. The government does not provide that. Citizens must show they care about their fellow citizens by working with the poor and pulling them into the community. A faraway government in Washington DC can’t do that. Government can have an important role, but citizens are the secret to success.
Unfortunately, private citizens stepped back as government programs expanded. Today, those on both the political left and right no longer guide the poor.
The View From The Political Right
Those on the right are quick to blame the government for the plight of the poor. They believe government programs are ineffective and expensive and exacerbate the problem. But they allow the very programs they are critical of to shield them from the responsibility to care for the poor. They shake their head at what they see happening in the nation. They see a government isolating the poor from that attribute which is the most critical thing the poor need to change their plight – personal responsibility. In Washington, they fight to change this attitude but don’t fight enough one-on-one with the poor outside government. How ironic. They have big hearts and are very charitable people. They believe in the American dream and want all Americans to experience it. So, they sit on the sidelines and wait for the government to get out of the way. They will be waiting a long time.
The View From The Political Left
Meanwhile, the left puts total confidence in government no matter the plan, performance, history, or effectiveness. They believe poverty is a societal problem, not a personal one, and the next program will mitigate it. That was 13 programs ago, and the argument is the same today. But such an argument is convenient for them too. It means they don’t have to get their hands dirty – it isn’t their job. The experts in the government can fix it. They want to see the government send aid to make life livable and more manageable, not teaching a poor person life skills and certainly not challenging a poor person. Such an intrusion into someone’s life is uncalled for and improper. So, they sit on the sideline and wait for the government to save the day. They will be waiting a long time.
Take The Responsibility Back – Guide the Poor
Too many citizens in America don’t help their fellow citizens escape poverty. They don’t guide the poor; they don’t mentor the poor. They quit for different reasons, but the result is the same. Too many poor people are left isolated with no teachers and no one to care about them. All that horsepower and know-how sits on the sidelines. How sad.
This blog supports the Ultimate Guide on How to Help the Poor – The philosophy