Care for poor should reflect early practices

Arkansas’s revision of its Medicaid to include a work requirement has stirred debate. In these times it is an excellent idea to reflect upon how the Founders addressed poverty and welfare. What principles undergirded their laws? How has it historically been addressed?

Government welfare has existed throughout American history. Contrary to what some liberals and conservatives think, the government neither completely ignored the helpless nor was charity entirely privately funded. The New Deal and Great Society programs drastically changed how the government addressed poverty, and in the process changed how many Americans think about the issue.

For the Founders, there was a key distinction, between the deserving and undeserving poor. The able-bodied male or female was expected to work for his maintenance. Secondly, government assistance was kept local rather than at the state or national level. Third, the safety net provided the minimum necessary for living, not enough for idleness. Fourth, the primary way Americans rose from poverty was through hard work and the economic freedom provided by capitalism.

The current welfare state is massive and largely ineffective, wanting improvement. An excellent start would be a return to the principles and practices of the Founders. This should lead to local control and a standard of helping the unfortunate get back on their feet, not the limitless expansion of the system, along with a recognition of the dignity of work and the benefits of capitalism. ZACHARY ROGERS

Bella Vista