Politics and Poverty Essay -- Essays on Politics

Politics and Poverty Today there is a split in American politics on how to combat poverty. Throughout history, how America combats poverty has changed depending on what party is running the government. There has been a number of different parties however, Republican, Democrat, The Bull Moose Party, and other various ones. However, these views can be put into two main categories: The Liberal ideology and the Conservative ideology. There are three areas, which have broad and differing views on how to combat poverty. Those three being, Welfare, Social Security, and Taxes. The following arguments present how those different perspectives affect the poverty issue in America today. Conservative Ideology Conservatives generally go with the perspective that less is more. Most would side with the argument that less government action is a better approach for society as a whole. Rather than promoting the idea of social equality, like the Liberal perspective, they promote social inequality. Most would like little government regulation and intervention of economy. Conservatives have the "big business" and "trickle down" theory, that even though the rich stay rich, their wealth will eventually reach the poor and poverty-stricken. Liberal Ideology Liberals usually have the perspective that the government should help the people much more than they do presently, with more programs such as welfare (etc.). Liberals generally agree that the government should intervene, regulate, and promote the economy and ensure fairness in society always. Government policies are indeed needed and necessary for citizens to fulfill their daily needs. Most also do agree with a "free-market" society, however, they stress the need for government policies. Welf... ...Radio Address on the Economy." Democratic National Committee. Raul Grijalva. 26 Oct. 2002. http://www.democrats.org/news/200210300002.html "Senate Republicans Back President's Welfare Reform Plan." United States Senate Republican Policy Committee. 18 June 2002. 8 Dec. 2002 <http://www.senate.gov/~rpc/releases/1999/wf061802.htm> "Highlights of the Libertarian Party's 'Ending the Welfare State' Proposal." Libertarian Party: The Party of Principle. 1994-2001. 8 Dec. 2002. <http://www.lp.org/issues/welfare.html> "Who Gets Welfare?" Feminist Majority Foundation. 1996. 8 Dec. 2002. <http://www.feminist.org/other/budget/welfare/welfare.htm> Rector, Robert. Implementing Welfare Reform and Restoring Marriage. "Liberal Views on the Issues." Liberal Politics: U.S. What you need to know about. 8 Dec. 2002. < http://usliberals.about.com/library/blisswelfare.htm>