So I was reading this article on welfare and the myth that welfare is a negative stain on our society. The article talks about how welfare programs in the United States became popular during the 1930's. "The years in between were packed with swift and drastic social and economic changes to make Mr. Roosevelt the most controversial figure in American history."
Because of FDR's social programs a lot of the American public place the blame on Democrats for promoting and increasing welfare programs. But the author argues that Reagan's (Republican) approach “spider’s web of dependency” failed and Bill Clinton (Democrat) even led the charge to decrease and end "welfare as we know it.”
In the opinion of the author of this article, The Myth of Welfare's Corrupting Influence on the Poor, Eduardo Porter (the author) argues that the public's opinion of welfare is misguided and that the positives far outweigh the negatives.
What I would like you to do is:
1. Create a chart or list of 8 myths/8 realities/truths that the author mentions. (It is the opinion of the author but some of these are good arguments)
2. Examine Reagan's approach and Clinton's approach and in 200 words tell me if you agree with either of their points. Your likes/dislikes and if you like a combination approach let me know.
Be able to validate your opinion on the following question in class. Does welfare corrupt the poor?
