John M. Tomaszewski – 3/7/08

This page was last updated on March 8, 2008.

Politicians ignoring poverty; John M. Tomaszewski; Beaver County Times; March 7, 2008.

Since September 2004, this is at least the 24^th letter from Mr. Tomaszewski spouting liberal talking points, with most bashing Republicans and/or President Bush.

Previous letters from Mr. Tomaszewski on this topic are here and here.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Statistics had the poverty rate at 23 percent whenever President Lyndon B. Johnson initiated the War on Poverty in 1965.

“The poverty rate then fell to 14 percent in 1967. In 2006, data has 17.4 percent of children living below the poverty line.

“They say that America is the land of opportunity where people start out poor, then work hard and save and become rich. These stories are few and rare.”

[RWC] Mr. Tomaszewski appears to believe there’s some guarantee people who “start out poor” will “become rich.” While America gives us that opportunity, there are no guarantees. More than anything else, where we land is the cumulative result of choices – both good and bad – we make throughout our lives. People who make bad choices have no right to expect taxpayer dollars as a bailout.

“Again, statistics show 50 percent of the children born in the bottom fourth of the poverty rate remain in poverty. Yet politicians continue to campaign on a platform to cut taxes, cut entitlements such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and cut programs designed to aid the poor such as food stamps, welfare etc.”

[RWC] Perhaps Mr. Tomaszewski can explain how the government confiscating one person’s clothing, education, food, heat, retirement, etc. money to bail out someone else is either altruistic or compassionate. This is simply a case of spending someone else’s money. Do I believe people who need help because of unforeseen circumstances should get it? Of course, but via private charities funded by voluntary contributions.

“Fighting poverty is not on the politicians’ agenda.”

[RWC] If we accept Mr. Tomaszewski’s position, why didn’t he propose an “exit strategy” for the “War on Poverty?”

Regarding poverty, read The Data on Poverty and Health Insurance You’re Not Reading by Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., of The Heritage Foundation to cut though the hype.