War on Poverty Part I: The Founders’ Thoughts

While living in Europe during the 1760s, Benjamin Franklin observed that the more public provisions made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves and the poorer they became. On the contrary, the less done for them and the more they did for themselves, the richer they became.

Many have completely lost sight of that simple truth. Instead, when it comes to helping the poverty stricken, the common refrain for government intervention is to do what the Bible says or what Jesus would do. But here’s what Jesus actually said while addressing the rich man claiming to obey every commandment since his youth:

And Jesus said unto him, if thou will be perfect, go and sell that thou hast and give unto the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven, and then come and follow me. (Matthew 19:21)

It’s vital to note that Jesus told the man to sell what he had and give it directly to the poor. He didn’t say, go and pay your taxes and hope that Caesars will redistribute your wealth properly to those who need it. Jesus never mentioned the government had any role in taking care of the poor. It was for individuals to do. Our Founding Fathers held the same belief.

The Founders made no mention of the federal government caring for the poor. That responsibility was left to the individual, families, churches, and if need be, local governments. Assistance was to be temporary, minimal and only on the condition of work. In other words, the poor would have to work for the welfare they received, if they were able-bodied. Franklin also said the government should assist the poor in overcoming poverty as expediently as possible. He famously said, “I think the best way of doing good to the poor is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it.”  [read more]

When individuals, families, and churches give they do it out of caring. When gov’t gives, its usually a way for families to be hooked on gov’t aid so families will be perputual gov’t supporters (read: Democrat voters) through future generations. Then when someone wants to cut federal aid the Dems say call that person mean and uncaring.